Sleep, along with water, is one of those things that we all know we should get plenty of. When the doctor asks us how much we’ve been getting, we nod along and mutter an answer that we think is close to acceptable. According to you at your most mendacious, you get six to eight hours sleep a night. You drink six glasses of water a day. And yes, of course, you always get your five a day and don’t drink except on social occasions.
They might seem like white lies, designed to explain a hectic lifestyle in a world that doesn’t give much time for pause. Between work, managing a household, kids and trying to have some semblance of a social life – of course, you miss a few hours shut-eye. You know you shouldn’t, that you should rest more, but like the saying goes – you can sleep when you’re dead.
maintaining healthy sleep habits
Sorry to drop a hammer of unpleasantness on to your day, but there’s a simple truth you’re blinding yourself too. If you’re not getting enough sleep in life, then you’re going to speed towards those post-life hours all the faster. Not only does a lack of sleep impair your ability to drive and work properly, but it shortens your life expectancy by a frankly terrifying amount.
Sometimes it takes a little bit of tough love to make people see sense. If you get a handle on your sleep schedule, then your life will benefit in a variety of ways. All you need to do is follow the five golden rules.
- Low lighting
If you try to sleep in a bright area, you’re not going to get as much rest as you should. Try and darken all sleeping areas as much as possible. If that’s not going to happen for logistical reasons, then use an eye mask.
- Five hours a night is fine- but not all the time
Try and sleep for more than five hours per night at least three times a week. Aim low and try to better it. If you have a short night’s sleep the night before, try and catch a few more minutes the next night to keep yourself balanced.
- Sleep comfortably
comfortable sleeping
As a rule of thumb, you need a good mattress and supportive pillows to feel comfortable. Consider any concerns like back pain, and if you need to address it, seek items that will help. Always check information before you buy; this Zinus mattress review is an example of helping you buy with all the information you need. If something isn’t working for you, return or donate it.
- Don’t expect yourself to sleep through
The idea of sleeping through the night is a relatively modern invention. If you need to sleep for three hours, potter around awake for an hour or so and then head back to bed, that’s fine.
- Don’t use sleeping tablets
sleeping tablets
They might help, but they will cause problems in the long run. Sleeping is about finding a natural schedule that works for you, not disrupting a natural process with medications. Better to go sleepless every now and again than mess with your circadian rhythm – which can take years to realign.
Now go and catch some Zs!