The Importance of Sleep - Especially in a Pandemic
Since the start of the pandemic, incidence of insomnia has risen 20% with people reporting more anxiety and depression that accompanies their sleep troubles.
But you don’t need me to tell you that sleep is important. When we’re short on sleep
🛏️ our focus and concentration suffers
🛏️ heart health decreases and risk for stroke increases
🛏️ risk for type 2 diabetes increases
🛏️ our immune system takes a hit
🛏️ depression and anxiety increases; emotional regulation decreases
🛏️ and inflammation increases.
And those are just the major impacts!
What can you do about it??
Taking a page from one of my favorite books (and favorite people!), The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington and set yourself up for successful slumber by
💤 transitioning into sleep with a calming routine (lavender lotion, lights down, calming activities)
💤 change into pajamas or ‘sleep designated clothing’
💤 escort all electronic devices out of the room and turn off devices at least 30 minutes before turning in
💤 keep your room dark and between 60° and 67°
💤 do some light stretching, yoga, or meditation before bed (I LOVE yoga nidra, especially after rough or high-energy days when my mind needs to come back down).
Next Steps
What can you do tonight to start getting more quality Zzzs?
What needs to change about your sleep environment in order to make it more conducive to quality sleep?
Set your alarm for 1 hour before bed to dial down all electronics.
Let me know what works for you! I am always looking for new strategies to help with my fitful sleep and periodic insomnia - please share!
Dreamily,
Emma