Sleep is important for a variety of reasons. When we get enough sleep, we feel rested and give our bodies a chance to fully recharge. Getting quality sleep is good for each person’s physical health, mental health, safety, and overall well-being. There are several health benefits to obtaining a good night of rest.
Health Benefits of Adequate Sleep
- The body has a chance to rest and focus on healing
- Mental clarity is enhanced with a restful night of sleep
- Individuals can focus more clearly and safely perform tasks when they are well and rested
Causes of Inadequate Sleep
There are many things that can cause an inadequate sleep routine. When suffering from a restless sleep, you will begin to feel physically drained. One of the first signs may be muscular stiffness or burning eyes. Sometimes you may wake up and still feel tired. These are all cases in which you should begin looking for the underlying reason as to why you are still tired and not rested.
Causes for restlessness include:
- Oncoming illness
- Strained muscles
- Poor mattress quality
- Natural causes such as daylight or noise
- Consumption of caffeine or alcohol prior to bed
These are common causes that can usually easily be reversed to result in a restful night of sleep. When an individual is coming down with allergies or a cold, they often begin to feel run down. In some cases, congestion can cause sleep disruption. Visiting a doctor or obtaining over the counter cold and allergy medicines can help fight the illness and increase the quality of sleep.
Sleeping on a mattress that is dated or lacking support is one of the leading reasons why you may not be sleeping well. It is important to have a mattress that is comfortable and contorts to your body’s natural curves. Each person will have their own individual preference whether they like firm or soft mattresses, but the quality of the mattress will produce restful nights. A Purple bed frame can hold your mattress and give you the support you need to sleep the night away. You can visit their site directly for a new mattress and accessories.
Intense work out routines or new work out routines can sometimes leave muscles aching. This is also true for moving heavy items or participating in an activity that may strain the muscles. Stiff muscles can often make it difficult to fall asleep easily. If you toss and turn during the night you may find yourself waking more often due to muscular stiffness.
Other causes of a lack of sleep can strictly be circumstantial. Those who work third shift or swing shift often have to utilize room darkening shades and sound machines to block out the sunlight and typical daytime neighborhood noises such as birds chirping, cars driving past, and children playing outdoors.
One thing that can easily be changed if you are experiencing a lack of quality sleep is the consumption of known stimulants. Individuals should not drink caffeinated beverages or alcoholic beverages right before bedtime. Both can increase the heart rate and create restlessness.
How Much Is Enough?
As far as sleep goes, it is important to know how much the right amount to get is. Some age groups actually require more or less sleep than others to lead a relatively restful and healthy lifestyle. Once all changes have been made to better the quality of sleep, then you can begin looking at how much each person in your home should be receiving to really make a lasting impact on their overall well-being.
Children attending elementary school should be getting about nine to eleven hours of sleep. This age group includes 6-year-old children all the way up to teens at 13 years of age. This is because children are growing while they are learning and their bodies need time to recuperate. Teenagers often require eight to ten hours of sleep each night. Younger adults from the age of 19 to 25 can feel well-rested when they acquire seven to nine hours of sleep. The same is true for adults 26 to 64 years of age. Getting enough sleep at any age will improve clarity, focus, and mental and physical well-being.
