A new study from the University of Bonn, Germany has found that 24 hours of sleep deprivation can lead to health problems similar to the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Sleep is vital for a healthy, sound mind, as well as preparing the body for the day ahead.
Sleep can also really affect your health, with sleep deprivation leading to a number of problems including:
· Slowed thinking
· Lack of sex drive
· Memory Loss
· Heart disease
· Heart attack
· Heart failure
· Irregular heartbeat
· High blood pressure
· Stroke
· Diabetes
So how can we improve our sleeping patterns?
It’s vital to get eight hours of sleep per night. For those who struggle to get their full sleep night’s sleep, preparing a routine can really help improve your sleep patterns:
Set a regular bedtime – choose a time when you normally feel tired and make this your bedtime. Although it’s tempting to stay up later on the weekends, try wake up the same time every day and if you’ve a late night on Saturday try settle back into your routine come Sunday
Take a clever nap – If you miss out on sleep after a night on the tiles, try get up at a regular time but opt for a short nap in the middle of the day. This allows you to catch up on those lost hours of sleep, but means you’ll still be fit for bed without putting off your nighttime routine
Take the technology out of the bedroom – Computers, ipads, phones, TVs… whatever your tech treat is, the mind will stay stimulated long after you power off the device. Switch off the lights, and if you insist on some late night company try listening to some light music or an audio book as you hit the hay.
Change any bright light bulbs – Avoid bright lights before bed, and switch brighter bulbs with low-wattage bulbs.
Keep cool – A bedroom that is too hot or too cold can really interfere with the quality of your sleep. Make sure your room is well ventilated, with most people finding 18 ° C the ideal temperature for sleeping.
Make sure your bed is comfortable – Make sure your bed is comfortable and has enough room to stretch and turn. Invest in a good mattress and pillows to alleviate extra pressures on your neck and support any body parts that suffer from previous injuries or aches.
