What is one of the most necessary things needed for a human being to live and function? Sleep. Although it is a seemingly obvious concept, many people seem to forget how important sleep truly is. With the rise of technology and busy schedules, sleep is slowly becoming less and less of a priority. The average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep, whereas the average teen needs 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Teens typically get 7 hours of sleep (or even less), which is below the minimum amount needed.
Sleep has many benefits, not just feeling well rested. Some health benefits of sleep include the promotion of growth, good heart health, a healthy immune system and much more. But sleep doesn’t just help the body; it also helps the mind. When you get enough sleep, you have an increased attention span, clearer memory and boosted learning capabilities. This will furthermore improve your grades at school and your overall knowledge.
On the other hand, consequences may occur if you consistently don’t get enough sleep. This includes heart disease, cancerous tumors, diseases related to the brain (stroke, brain aneurysms), diabetes, etc. Additionally, lack of sleep hinders your ability to concentrate, make good decisions, remember things and react quickly. Not enough sleep can cause you to be emotionally unstable, causing strong emotions such as extreme sadness or anger.
Despite being such a foundational part of our lives, sleep doesn’t come easily to everyone. Falling asleep can be hard for some, but there are ways to combat the restlessness. Throughout the day, it is recommended to exercise, eat nutritious food, and limit caffeine intake. In addition to this, studies have shown that electronic devices can drastically disrupt sleep schedules. It is advised to turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed, or even two, to get the most restful sleep possible. When already in bed, some techniques you can use to fall asleep quickly include doing breathing exercises and picturing a place where you feel calm (such as a beach).
In conclusion, sleep is very important because of its mental and physical impacts. When planning your schedule for the day, remember to consider sleep as a main priority. Instead of late night scrolling through your phone, try reading your favorite book and falling asleep. Once you create a cohesive sleep routine, your mind and body will thank you.
