World Sleep Day – 18th March 2022
Quality Sleep, Sound Mind, Happy World.
World sleep day is designed to raise awareness of sleep as a human privilege that is often compromised by the habits of modern life. An annual event, intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and driving. It is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders. Quality sleep can help maintain mental health and wellbeing. It can help you focus during the day. Sleep fatigue can weigh us down physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Here’s some tips on how to achieve a good night’s sleep:
- If you have difficulty falling asleep, a regular bedtime routine will help you wind down and prepare for bed.
- Keep regular sleeping hours. This programmes the brain and internal body clock to get used to a set routine.
- Winding down is a critical stage in preparing for bed.
- A warm bath (not hot) will help your body reach a temperature that’s ideal for rest.
- Writing “to do” lists for the next day can organise your thoughts and clear your mind of any distractions
- Relaxation exercises, such as light yoga stretches, help to relax the muscles. Do not exercise vigorously, as it will have the opposite effect
- Relaxation CDs work by using a carefully narrated script, gentle hypnotic music and sound effects to relax you
- Reading a book or listening to the radio relaxes the mind by distracting it
- Avoid using smartphones, tablets or other electronic devices for an hour or so before you go to bed as the light from the screen on these devices may have a negative effect on sleep
- It is a good idea to try and wake up at the same time every day
The sleepstation website provides a range of useful articles and resources designed to aid sleep.