Catching your zzz’s!

Yes, it is what you think it is!

By catching your zzz’s of course I mean ensuring you get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis, and this comes as today is:

World Sleep Day!

Now I would say sleep is one of my favourite things, sad I know, and to strengthen this statement I even have a mug at work which I use on a daily basis that says: “I’d rather be sleeping!”

Yet, all jokes aside sleep is actually massively important for us!

Research shows that deprived or inadequate sleep can lead to some health complications or increased risks such as:

Increased anxiety
High blood pressure
Weight gain – causing obesity
Diabetes
Heart disease
Shortened life expectancy

So if you constantly find yourself waking up feeling tired, or you’re yearning for naps throughout the day, then there’s a high chance you’re not getting enough sleep.

Start making time for more sleep.

You can begin by going to bed earlier, and you can perhaps create a bedtime ritual to help you properly relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

More importantly, ensure all gadgets including your mobile, TV, and iPad/tablet are switched off at least an hour before bedtime. As high levels of screen time, especially near bed time, has a direct impact on your levels of sleep.

Ensuring you have enough sleep has a variety of health benefits, which according to the NHS include: