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sleeping well
Getting enough sleep each day is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing as a lack of sleep can contribute to the risk of developing chronic disease or impacting mental wellbeing.
Sleeping allows our body to reboot and restore. However, everyone’s sleep habits are different and some people will need more or less sleep than others. About seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep a night is recommended.
Some barriers to sleeping well include coffee and caffeine energy drinks, alcohol, some medications and using electronic devices, including mobiles, before bed.
Gentle physical activity, establishing a sleep routine and relaxing before bed are good ways to aid better sleep.
Benefits to sleeping well
Getting good sleep aids memory, learning, productiveness, and reaction time (very important for driving safely). It also helps decision making and maintaining mood and emotions. Importantly, it affects the immune system. This means that when you haven’t had enough sleep, you are less able to fight off illness. Therefore, sleep is extremely important for almost every aspect of your health.
Wanting more? Watch this video from My health for life on sleeping well
Want more information and support?
Sleep doesn’t come easy to everyone. If you find you are struggling with sleep, you don’t have to face it alone.
Speak to your GP about your concerns.
Speak to a Psychologist if you think your sleep might be impacted by something that is happening in your life. Search for a psychologist at psychology.org.au
Download a meditation app for sleep
The Australasian Sleep Society has a directory address you can search for particular issues such as ‘menopause’. If issues like these are impacting your sleep, you can find a specialist in your state at sleep.org.au
The Sleep Health Foundation has many useful resources at www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/