Getting enough sleep can be just as important as scheduling in your weekly workouts. We don’t think about making time for sleep or booking it in our diaries, sometimes taking it for granted. But insufficient or poor sleep can have a very detrimental effect on your health. There is a direct link between sleep and mental health so it’s important to understand how your sleep patterns are affecting your day-to-day life.
Mental health charity Mind shares some insights on their website, including,
“Poor sleep leads to worrying. Worrying leads to poor sleep. Worrying about sleep is like your mind trying to fight itself. That’s a horrible place to be.”
It’s one of the key elements to a healthy lifestyle, along with activity and also eating a balanced diet.
This year, make one of your resolutions to learn how to sleep well. It’s a skill that can be learned and honed, just like your favourite exercises at the gym.
Here are some areas you can look at in your life to help you get better sleep patterns:
- Establish a routine
- Relax before you go to bed
- Make sure where you sleep is comfortable
- Keep a sleep diary
- Try to resolve stresses and worries
- Give yourself some tech-free time
- Check for a physical cause
- Consider food, drink and exercise
- Consider your medication
- Ask about treatment options
If you are having problems sleeping, check out the Mind website A-Z of Sleep Problems.
Sleep well and we look forward to seeing you refreshed and raring to go at the gym.
