Struggle With Sleep? You're not alone.
A few of our practitioners here at NCO have personally had a few sleep issues (myself included!), so I thought I would revisit this super important topic & the link between quality sleep and health. Improving sleep can literally make a massive difference to your health. Read to the end, because I give details about an amazing (and free!) online program that can be a game-changer for you if your sleep is NQR.
And don’t forget – a few treatments with your preferred Osteopath can really help sleep by dealing with any low-grade niggles that disturb full relaxation, and by helping settle your nervous system.
Role of sleep in overall health
Sleep is an essential component of our overall health and well-being. Despite its critical importance, many people still neglect or overlook the importance of getting enough sleep. It is important to understand why sleep is so important, what happens to our bodies when we don’t get enough sleep, and tips on how to improve the quality of our sleep.
Why is Sleep Important for Health?
Sleep plays a vital role in our physical and mental health by helping our bodies to recharge, repair, and refresh. During sleep, the body is able to process and file memories, release hormones that regulate growth and appetite, and repair damaged tissues. Adequate sleep also helps to reduce stress and improve mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.
What Happens When We Don’t Get Enough Sleep?
Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health problems. Some of the most common consequences of not getting enough sleep include:
- Increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
- Impaired memory and cognitive function
- Decreased immune function
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Decreased physical performance and increased risk of accidents
Tips for Improving Sleep Quality
If you’re having trouble sleeping, here are some tips to help improve the quality of your sleep:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep
- Avoid screens (e.g., TVs, phones, computers) for at least an hour before bedtime
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool
- Avoid napping during the day, especially in the afternoon
- Melatonin can aid adjusting your sleepiness to a suitable bedtime eg adjusting for jetlag. Talk to your GP or Pharmacist
- Osteopathic treatment to help resolve any niggles, and help settle your nervous system
Well done for reading this far!
I promised you a game-changer… here’s an online course, developed by St.Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, in conjunction with the University of NSW, that’s completely free. It’s a 4 lesson Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) course that guides you through, in an engaging way, the science of sleep – and how to improve yours.
Highly recommended – I’ve done it myself!
Here’s the link…
Insomnia Program
Fun fact – ‘This Way Up’ has similar programs for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Check in with your GP if you are unsure if a program is right for you.
Bruce Duncan
