Rest Better, Feel Better: The Benefits of Sleep and How to Get More of It

Are you tired of waking up every morning feeling, well…tired?

We’ve all been there. It’s easy to grow used to that groggy feeling of fatigue, but getting in control of your sleep schedule can help you get a handle on your mental state, too. And that’s because good rest goes hand in hand with better well-being.

We’re going to walk you through the keys to creating a winning night routine and shed some light on what happens to our brains when we don’t get enough sleep. So without much further ado, here’s a closer look:

Why do our brains need sleep?

A brain without sleep would be like a car running without wheels: pretty useless. When we get a good night’s rest, however, we give our minds a chance to rest and recharge, which sets us up to feel better and do better.

Have you ever noticed feeling irritable after a night when you didn’t get much sleep? Without rest, the brain sends two areas that are responsible for our mood and emotional reactions into a frenzy, the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, causing disruptions that often look like stress or frustration.

Getting a good night’s sleep (7-8 hours a day for adults) lets your brain maintain balance and gives it a chance to restore itself. So if your sleep routine needs some help, here are some tips for creating a night routine that promotes better sleep and mental health:

• Decide on a bedtime and power down your electronics 1 hour before bed.

• Refrain from eating heavy meals before bed and instead go for a light snack, like fruit or tea.

• Stretch, breathe, or relax through a mindful activity, like yoga.

• Listen to soothing music.

• Empty your mind before bed by journaling.

• Prepare your bedroom for sleep.

From tossing and turning to sweet dreams

Creating a sleep routine takes time, so give yourself room to make adjustments as the days go on. You got this — we believe peaceful slumber awaits you!