How important is sleep?

Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising.

The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Yet, The average amount of sleep that people residing in the UK get each weeknight is 6.66 hours.

Sleep deprivation can put your health and safety at risk, which is why it’s essential that you prioritise and protect your sleep on a daily basis. Some studies have shown sleep deprivation leaves people vulnerable to attention lapses, reduced cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance and mood shifts.

Additionally, lack of sleep has been linked to a higher risk for certain diseases and medical conditions. These include obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, poor mental health even an early death…

Here are a few reasons to get more sleep.

– Can improve concentration, productivity and academic performances.

– Can maximise athletic performance

– Can strengthen your heart

– Affects sugar metabolism and type 2 diabetes risk

– Lack of sleep can cause inflammation

– Lack of sleep can affect your emotional and social interactions

– Sleep deprivation may increase your appetite and cause you to eat more calories. In particular, you’re more likely to eat foods high in sugar and fat.

Try implementing the following to help improve your sleep.

-Establish a realistic bedtime and stick to it every night, even on the weekends.

-Maintain comfortable temperature settings and low light levels in your bedroom.

-Keep a comfortable sleep environment by ensuring you have the best mattress, pillows, and sheets for your sleep preferences and body type.

-Consider a “screen ban” on televisions, computers and tablets, cell phones, and other electronic devices in your bedroom.

-Abstain from caffeine and alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime.

-Exercise during the day, this can help you wind down in the evening and prepare for sleep.

To close, getting between 7-9hrs of sleep per night is very important for every day function and will play a big factor towards performing at your highest level throughout your day.

If you feel that you want more specialised help with health, weight loss and fitness Elysium Health and Fitness provide private personal training sessions in their boutique fitness studios in Aldford, Chester and Tarporley, Cheshire.

Both studios are set in rural settings to provide clients with complete privacy, perfect for those who don’t want to exercise in front of others. There are no judgements, just their full support. We are the number one private gym in Chester.

For more information visit the contact, drop them an email info@elysiumhealthandfitness.co.uk, drop them a DM on Social media or give them a call 01244 620202 (Chester studio) 01829 781685 (Tarporley).