World Sleep Day - Guide to better sleep!

... zzz ... zzz ...

Yesterday was world sleep day! 💤

As you probably know, getting the right amount of sleep is vital for our health. Research has shown that sleep is directly linked with mental & physical wellbeing & getting the right amount can reduce the risk of many conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, & stroke.

Sleep is our body & brain's down-time to recharge from our active days. It helps our brain & body to function well & depending on your demographics & lifestyle, you may need more / less sleep than other individuals.

Evidence suggests that you want to be aiming for about 7–9 hours of sleep each night & if you can, like this seal, have some short naps in-between.

If you struggle with sleep, there’s lots of resources out there to help including @the_bhf top 10 tips for a good nights sleep:

1 Take time to relax

2 Get into a routine

3 Avoid technology before bed

4 Create a restful environment

5 Don't clock watch

6 Foods for sleeping: milk, chicken, turkey, pumpkin seeds

7 Foods against sleeping: spicy, alcohol, caffeine, large meals just before bed

8 Darkness promotes sleep

9 Keep fit and get active

10 Focus on sleep quality

Head over to @the_bhf website for more in depth information and all their amazing health guides. @mindcharity and the @nhsengland websites also have some brilliant resources

I enjoy using the apps Calm , Headspace and Better Sleep to help to track my sleep cycles and use their sleep stories / relaxation audio tracks to help me to unwind and relax.

Useful links:

British Heart Foundation:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/sleeping-tips

NHS:

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep/

Mind Charity:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/sleep-problems/tips-to-improve-your-sleep/

Healthline:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-tips-to-sleep-better#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

Sleep Foundation:

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/treatment/what-do-when-you-cant-sleep

Calm:

https://www.calm.com/

Headspace:

https://www.headspace.com/

If you or someone you know needs a hand with their sleep / exercise / health or if you have any questions then please send a DM to @thecardiacspecialist or @movementmedicineuk . Any question is a good question.

Hope you all have a cracking world sleep day, and what a day for it, Ill be spending it napping in the sunshine 🌞

More sleep tips on the ol' story & links & more details on my website - link in bio!

📸Snap of a lil sleepy sea sausage on a beach near San Diego 🦭

#sleep#health#mentalwellbeing#mentalhealth#mentalhealthawareness#mentalhealthmatters#mentalwellness#selfcare#wellbeing#mentalhealthsupport#anxiety#selflove#mentalillness#mindfulness#mentalhealthadvocate#wellness#movementmedicine#thecardiacspecialist#prevention#fitness#healthylifestyle#wellness#healthy#motivation#workout#lifestyle#wellbeing#toptips#BHF