HEALTH BENEFITS OF SLEEP

Written by Kenneth Mbui (CNA)

Did you know how important sleep is? 

Did you know that 8 hours of sleep reduces the stress hormone in blood and also the stabilisation of other hormones?

Did you know enough sleep helps in weight loss. 

If you find yourself having challenges with sleep, 

1. Fix your gut

2. Enjoy the sun

3. Avoid phones and blue lights at least 30 minutes before going to bed. The circadian rhythms is affected by Light and relies on daylight and darkness to stimulate and inhibit sleep

4. Eat at least 2hrs before sleep

5. Do exercises, don't have to be strenuous, an evening walk will help. 

6. Ensure your bed is comfortable. Otherwise, back pains will call you by your 3 names. 

7. Form a routine of when to sleep and wake. The circadian rhythm relies on certain habits that you form. If you are used to sleeping at 2am, that's when you'll be falling asleep? 

Gone are the days when people, particularly men, would say, "Tulilala 3am tukaamka 5am" (we slept at 3am and woke up at 5am) as a show of hard work You need sleep for your health. Rest.

An uninterrupted sleep enhances a good mood, a steady supply of energy, thus motivation, reduced fatigue during the day, and improved appetite. 

Remember, when you sleep, the body rests. However, the Autonomous Nervous System remains alert. It's the system that controls, breathing and digestion, which continues even when you are asleep. 

I thought you should know.