Hello Balancing Act Supporters!
(Balancers...?? Tell us if that's awful!)
I hope you enjoyed last months newsletter. This month I wanted to discuss a topic which is important to me.... SLEEP!
We live in a fast passed society and although we all have many ways to help relax and gain good quality of sleep, studies are showing signs of sleep debt, yes that dreaded word DEBT. Studies suggest we should be sleeping a minimum of seven to eight hours a night. However recent research indicates we are sleeping less then what we are told, seven. The two main factors with sleep debt are our immune system suffers, which reduces physical healing, put simply, the less we sleep, the less our bodies can heal any unwanted illnesses
Secondly, sleep debt reduces our ability to retain memory, which can affect our ability to work, to exercise and can lead to depression. Making a mess of our Balance!
Do You Often Feel Tired After a Long Week?
Maybe it’s Been a Busy Weekend Socialising?
No worries! Going to bed early and trying to catch up on sleep will do the trick!
Unfortunately, that is a myth. Research suggests, it can take as many as four days to recover from one hour loss of sleep. Additionally, up to nine days to eliminate sleep debt.
So, how can we reduce the chances of sleep debt.....
.....There are a few strategies, reduce your time on social media before bed, reduce the level of volume on devices in the household, going to bed at the same time each night will help reduce sleep debt. Additionally sleep stories can help relax you and making sure the sleep you have is good quality sleep. This includes being warm and relaxed, understanding what your needs are, it could be time for a new pillow, or mattress and importantly if you share your bed then having a conversation with that person so you can both understand the need for sleep. The one thing I notice with clients who discuss being tired, they often share the bed with pets, this can also affect sleep and broken sleep reduces the quality of sleep.
You may have noticed images of Japan in this newsletter.... Balancing Act took a visit to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto this month. An incredible juxtaposition of busy frantic, yet fulfilling and exciting life vs slow, calm, meaningful peace. Eye-opening and respectful experiences all around. A lot to consider and learn from culture
Keep an eye out for next month’s newsletter and as always take care from the balancing act team
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