Sleep Better, Live Better

University of Michigan School of Public Health

We all love to sleep. I think I sleep way too much, especially during the summer break and school-year weekends. In our lifetime, we'll sleep for one-third of it, which is a lot. Sleep is important for our health. It allows us to function normally and work to the best of our abilities. So, not being able to sleep can become a serious health issue. 

Having sleep problems can depend on many factors, including your age, gender, medical conditions (like sleep apnea), and medications. Beyond these factors, there are plenty of psychological factors that can contribute to sleep problems. Stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and bad sleep habits can make it so much harder for people to fall asleep. Stress and depression can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, while anxiety can make it hard to turn off our pressing thoughts. Pain can also make it difficult to sleep, as our minds may be focused on the pain. In addition, bad sleep habits, such as going to bed too late, using electronic devices right before bed, and napping during the day, can all contribute to sleep problems.

Even though improving your sleep can seem daunting at first, there are a number of simple things you can do. Establishing a regular sleep schedule is super important. Going to sleep at the same time every day allows your body to anticipate falling asleep. I like having a relaxing bedtime routine because making sure your body and mind are relaxed before sleeping is the best way to ensure you don't feel stressed before sleeping. Meditation and deep breathing are things that can really elevate your bedtime routine. Other things, like making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and getting regular exercise, are other things that can improve your sleep quality and minimize the risk of sleep problems. Most importantly, setting realistic expectations for yourself, such as not worrying about getting enough sleep, can help you reduce stress and improve your sleep overall.

In short, there are many things you can do to improve your sleep quality. By making some simple changes to your lifestyle, you can wake up feeling refreshed and energized, and improve your overall health and well-being.