The Importance of Sleep

Monday March 2nd, 2020

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Until recently sleep has remained largely a mystery – why we sleep, what happens during sleep, and the potentially devastating consequences that come from not consistently getting a good night’s sleep.


How Much Sleep Do We Need?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, more if we’re fighting off an infection or disease. They also estimate one-third of adults don’t get enough sleep.

A good night’s sleep is fundamental to:

  • gut health
  • brain health
  • weight loss
  • disease prevention
  • appetite regulation

Most of the healing process takes place while we sleep. Other than maintaining basic functions needed for survival, the body and brain are focused on detoxifying and repairing. For many, problems with health may be due to problems with sleeping.

What Happens When We Don’t Get Enough Sleep?

Not getting enough sleep is linked to many chronic diseases and conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s and depression. Lack of sleep can cause people to make costly mistakes at work and can even lead to motor vehicle accidents.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Sleep?

Here are four tips to get you started:

Exercise

Exercise every day, but not within three hours of going to bed. Benefits of exercise include improved immunity and cardiorespiratory function, enhanced mood and more efficient metabolism, all of which also

And according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), regular exercisers have been found to experience longer NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep stages, which is when most healing occurs. improve sleep.

Watch What You Eat

Food and diet are also important. In general, reducing caloric intake makes it harder to fall asleep. In a 2016 study of healthy adults, a four-day diet high in sugar and other carbs but low in fiber resulted in less deep REM sleep and more awakenings at night.

No caffeine past noon, and don’t eat within two to three hours of bedtime other than a piece of fruit, as fruit digests quickly.

Prepare for Bedtime

It might be helpful to make a list of the following day’s tasks so your mind isn’t occupied with trying to remember them, and you can begin to relax.

You might also try:

  • gentle yoga stretches
  • reading something relaxing
  • practicing meditation
  • deep breathing
  • counting your blessings
Establish a Routine

Perhaps the most important thing is to establish a routine; go to bed and get up at the same time, even on weekends.

The key is to find what works for you and be consistent.

What if you’re able to relax and go to sleep but then find your sleep is interrupted by snoring?

The Sleep Connection Watch is the ideal way to stop snoring and get the sleep you need.

Some anti-snore devices work by delivering a shock when you snore, shocking you awake and interrupting the sleep cycle. Our Sleep Connection Anti-Snore Wristband works in a gentler yet effective way. With a scientifically designed biosensor, it detects loud snores and then automatically sends natural electrical pulses that gently encourages repositioning of your body and your jaw for better airflow.