Could Less Sleep Mean More?

Amy Taylor February 15, 2013

Been lying on your bed for hours but couldn’t fall asleep? Instead of struggling to drift off, get up and restrict the time you spend in your bed! That’s according to the new Good Night Guide from the Sleep Council.

Lack of sleep can totally drain your energy. It can make you feel stressed and excessively worn out the next day even if you don’t engage in strenuous physical activities. While most sleeping problems are temporary, some persist for much longer. In that case, we call it a sleeping disorder. A growing body of research suggests that poor quality sleep increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and obesity.

Fortunately, there are many different ways to promote quality sleep. In the newest guide provided by the Sleep Council, sleeping less doesn’t always mean you are not getting quality sleep. Many people stay in their bed for seven hours but are only able to sleep for 5 hours. Some of them also experience short periods of wakefulness in the middle of the night. So instead of keeping this routine, the Sleep Council recommends limiting the time that you are on bed. According to experts, this method makes you more tired but eventually will help you fall asleep faster.

Other Helpful Techniques

Undergo CBT

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular forms of psychotherapy that is usually used for patients with depression and other mental illnesses. But new clinical trials suggest that it can be a powerful solution for insomnia as well. CBT helps problematic sleepers identify the negative behaviours and beliefs that prevent them from getting quality sleep, and replace them with positive thoughts.

Replace your bedding

Some people don’t realise how their bed can affect their sleep. The Sleep Council recommends changing your bed after about seven years. This way, you can ensure that the bed you are sleeping on still provides support and comfort necessary for a deep and restful slumber.

Manage Stress

Worrying at night can stress you out to the max! A stress-busting technique, which you can learn from CBT, is to set aside 30 minutes of your day to accommodate your worrying. During that period, write down all your worries. And at night, before you sleep, watch those worries get flown away – leaving your mind free and relaxed.

Turn off your phone

Also turn off your laptop, tablet and any other electronic gadget. These devices emit blue light that can extremely disrupt regular sleeping patterns.

Practise meditation and other relaxing exercises

Teaching yourself to relax is crucial to achieving a restful sleep. Some great exercises you may want to include in your daily lifestyle are meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques.

Dear Readers,

What other tips can you suggest that promote quality sleep?

Share your comment below.