If you could do one thing that can help you earn more money, increase your intelligence, make you happier, and take inches off your waist, would you do it?
What if I tell you that it’s so easy you can do it with your eyes close? This may sound too good to be true, but it’s actually something that you already do every day. However, like most people, you probably haven’t been giving this powerful habit the attention it deserves.
We are talking about sleep. Deep, restful sleep promotes fast improvements, while poor quality sleep can cause damage quickly.
It’s important to understand the effects of sleep, and what we can do to improve it. Deep sleep is the one habit that can make you richer, thinner, smarter and happier.
Sleep and Money
A recent study concluded that adults below the poverty line were over 50% more likely to report insomnia than middle class and wealthy adults. The conclusion: Poor people sleep poorly
Sleep and Obesity
“People who don’t sleep adequately have physiologic abnormalities that may increase appetite and calorie intake,” wrote Sleep specialist Dr. Richard Simon in a recent article. “Not only does obesity contribute to sleep problems such as sleep apnea, but sleep problems can also contribute to obesity,” he added. So, if you’re getting lousy sleep. whatever diet you may follow, from vegan to paleo, it’s going to be less effective.
Sleep and Intelligence
Without adequate sleep and rest, over-worked brain can no function to coordinate information properly, and we lose our ability to access previously learned information. According to Harvard Medical School, when we are sleep deprived, anything that requires you to use your brain is going to be an uphill battle. When we don’t get high quality sleep, we loose our focus, attention, and vigilance, making it more difficult to receive information.
Sleep and Depression
“People with insomnia and no history of depression would be four times more likely to develop depression than individuals with no history of insomnia,”says Mayo Clinic sleep specialist Dr. Robert Auger. If your mood is unpredictable, perhaps its because your sleep isn’t what it should be. Sleep is so important that insomnia can make you clinically depressed, even if you’ve never had a history of depression.
It is amazing how one habit can affect so many other things. Setting up a well-defined sleep schedule can really help to regulate your sleeping patterns. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time everyday, at least on weekdays.
Here are 10 tips that can make you catch some deep asleep:
1. Write a to do list. Write down everything that is on your mind on a sheet of paper before bed so you don’t stay awake worrying about things you need to do.
2. Use the restroom before going to bed – this will prevent you from becoming restless as a result of needing to use the toilet.
3. Don’t watch any horror films/videos before bed. It will give you scary thoughts and worries while trying to fall asleep. Watching happy things will get stress off your mind hence making it easier to sleep.
4. Stay positive. Thinking positive thoughts will help calm your mind and allow you to fall asleep.
5. Try meditating before bed. This will help relax your mind and body.
6. Keep your bedroom cool. Sleeping in a hot room is a recipe for twisted sheets and feverish dreams, whereas a cool, dark environment will help you to fall asleep faster and sleep better.
7. Turn off all lights and electronic equipment. Darkness helps your brain to process the fact that it’s time for sleep, causing it to release hormones that induce sleepiness.
8. Make sure your pillows and mattress are comfortable. If you find your bed uncomfortable, it’s hardly a wonder that you have trouble getting to sleep.
9. Make your bedroom a noise-free zone. Distracting or annoying noises can be a big obstacle to falling asleep.
10. Exercise regularly. A good strenuous workout 3 to 4 times a week can help you to fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow, while also significantly improving the quality of your sleep.