Is sleep important to your overall health?

By Tamara Siegel
Studies show that sleep plays an important role in our health. Just as eating right and exercise are vital to the mind-body connection. Sleep also helps to repair, refuel, and refresh the body and mind.

The benefits of sleep are countless.

Sleep can improve your mental health by calming your overall mood. Sleep loss may cause you to be irritable and annoyed. The lack of a good night's sleep can cause you to be less focused and less able to concentrate.

When you are well-rested, you can enjoy doing more of the things you like to do. Sleeping well can increase your sharpness and vigor, energy needed to ensure a productive day.

I personally have sleep issues and understand how frustrating it can be. A healthy mind-body connection is ideal to achieve overall wellness.

I hope that some of the following tips prove beneficial.

Think of your body like a clock that goes to bed and rises around the same time every day. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time can “set the alarm.”

It is also helpful to engage in relaxing activities prior to bedtime. Doctors recommend exercising regularly, but not late in the evening. I have found that I get a great nights’ sleep when I've exercised earlier that day.

Avoid eating immediately before bedtime and eliminate daytime naps. Avoid foods or beverages in the afternoon and evening that contain caffeine. Do not consume alcohol and or nicotine late in the evening.

Minimize external disruptions like light and noise. In addition, I have found that reading makes me drowsy.

You may need to contact your doctor if you find that these tips don't do the trick. Lack of sleep can be damaging to your mental health. Our bodies need to be “powered off” to recharge and renew energy for the next day.