According to Stanford Medical Children’s Health, 70% of teens aren’t getting enough sleep!
That statement may sound extreme- but in reality, it’s true. The pace of today’s world is so fast that getting a good night’s sleep every day sounds impossible. Balancing school, homework, extracurriculars, a healthy social and family life, and sleep is like a non-stop cycle of work, work, and more work. So where do we get the energy to do all that again the next day? Through sleep.
The dictionary definition of the word “sleep” can be found here:
Sleep. (n.d) In Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleep
But in simpler terms: Sleep is when your mind is unconscious and your body repairs itself.
Most of us aren’t getting enough sleep which may not seem like a big problem. But as we continue to lack sleep more and more throughout our lives, our health will slowly deteriorate. Some problems that come with extreme sleep deprivation are a weaker immune system and an unhealthy cardiovascular system. On the flip side, getting enough sleep can come with countless benefits that will aid us in performing our best in our day-to-day lives. Such as a clearer head, more energy, and a happier state of mind.
Here are some tips that could help you fix your sleeping habits:
- Don’t use electronic devices for at least an hour before you sleep
- Stay consistent with the time you wake up and the time you go to bed
- Block out any external noises that could irritate you
- Slightly reduce the temperature in your room (it helps you fall asleep faster)
- Keep electronic devices in a different room so you aren’t distracted by them. But if you use your phone as an alarm, try to put it on the opposite side of the room so you aren’t distracted by it.
- Keep your devices on silent mode
- Relax yourself before going to bed. For example, read a novel or take a hot bath. Don’t do anything that would overstimulate yourself. Such as drinking Red Bull before sleeping
- Wear soft attire. You don’t want to be sleeping in clothes that aren’t comfortable
It may take a lot of extra time and effort to fix your bad sleeping habits, but it’s worth it in the end.
If a healthy and happy life is a lock, then, a good night’s rest is the key. So get some sleep!