Are you getting enough sleep? What about the quality of your sleep – sleeping many hours but still fatigued?

There are many factors for not getting great quality sleep. It could be that your mind won’t shut off, you have too much anxiety and stress, or unresolved issues are being replayed in your head.

Over 50% of the population reports they have inadequate sleep more than 3 nights per week. It’s an epidemic!

Here are some of the common effects of poor sleep:

*Irritability, frustration, anger
*Lack of focus, mental fog
*Difficulty making decisions
*Accidents (car, work, machinery)
*Errors at work
*General inability to be productive at work and at play
*Weight gain
*Physical illness – frequent colds/viruses, heart disease, cancer and brain-related decline
*Mental and emotional issues such as depression and anxiety

Did you know that lack of sleep also reduces our ability to lose body fat? Studies have shown that those with inadequate sleep who go on a weight loss program may lose the same amount of weight as those who do get sufficient sleep, but they lose much less body fat!

Just observe children’s behaviour when they are sleep-deprived….grumpy, inattentive, can’t focus, “can’t do anything with them”, nothing appeases them! Well, that does not change when we become adults. In other words, lack of sleep adversely affects literally every part of our lives!

We all know the importance of sleep, but all too often we place it low on the priority list, especially when we give up sleep in order to complete our obligations. We tell ourselves, “Oh well, I can always sleep later” or “I can catch up on my sleep on the weekend.” Adequate sleep is required EVERY night on a consistent basis in order to maintain optimum health and brain function. Our circadian rhythm keeps our bodies on a routine, which, when interrupted, causes chaos.

The brain requires all stages of sleep. When we sleep, the brain patterns responsible for our critical thoughts basically slow down and rest after processing over 70,000 thoughts in a day. At the same time, “sleep” brain patterns increase, allowing the brain to process thoughts and activities of the day into memory. The deep sleep phase helps the brain emotionalize those memories, which enhances creativity.

When we do get adequate, good quality sleep, we awake well rested and the brain has the power to keep up with our lives. Everything gets better: mental clarity, happiness, productivity, focus, ability to manage stress, stronger immune system, and healthier relationships!

Here are 5 strategies that you can use to get better sleep:

1. Maintain the same routine each night Your brain loves consistency!
2. Turn off electronic devices one hour prior to bedtime, including TV Your brain needs “down time” to prepare for sleep.
3. Make your room dark Darkness helps the brain produce natural melatonin.
4. Schedule your day the night before. After you’ve done that, let it go! When you have a plan, there’s no need to worry at 2 a.m.!
5. Create a calming, comfortable sanctuary in your bedroom. This environment helps to quiet your brain.

Ok there is a #6…. Seek healthy methods to quiet your over-active mind. Meditation, prayer, mindfulness or simply using deep breathing exercises are a few activities to try. Some people find that a 20 minute walk outdoors can clear the mind and create calmness.

If you are looking for more innovative ways to attain great, consistent sleep, try Brainwave Optimization®. I am happy to provide you with more information on this 21st century technology that gently guides your brain into deep relaxation in order for it to function at its best! Email me for more information at info@advantagelifebalance.com.

Nancy Attrill
Advantage Neuro Balance
advantagebraintrain.com
nancy@advantagelifebalance.com
519-494-2075