For many of us we miss an hour here and an hour there and we gradually get to the point where we are in a sleep debt. It happens almost unknowingly lie the frog that boils in the pot of water that is raised gradually. The good news is that our body will give us some indications that our sleep is not as good as it could be.
Sleep is such a complex process and so many body functions happen while when we are asleep. These are things such as proper detoxification, muscle repair and growth, improved mental health as well as many more.
The follow are some indications your body might be giving you that your might be missing some sleep.
Poor motivation
Sleepy during the day
Increase craving for sugar, nicotine, alcohol, coffee, recreational drugs
Fatigue
Confusion
Irritability
Compromised immune system
Depression/anxiety
Poor learning and retentive memory ability
If you notice that you are experiencing any of the above symptoms then it take some steps towards improving your sleep function. Sleep is one of the most important parts of our life, how well we sleep determines how well we function when we are awake.
When we have less sleep than we require then our body undergoes changes that resemble the effects of the early stages of diabetes, insulin resistance and increased sympathetic activation (fight or flight mode). These hormonal changes happen quickly with major changes in glucose tolerance and endocrine function also occur in less than a week.
The Great news is that there is simple things that can be done to improve your sleep. Here are a few ideas of what you can try. Create harmony in your bedroom: Having an environment that your body and mind is able to relax is great. this means taking as many electrical distractions as possible as well as having minimal noise and outside light. Retire before 10 pm; each half an hour before midnight is worth 2 hours after midnight.
Adopt a wind down approach to bedtime; creating routines and habits about getting your body ready for sleep allows you to get the most out of the time you are asleep.