Into Motivation

Sleep Disorders And Insomnia can deeply affect a person’s health and life. Without sleep your immune system may weaken leaving you prone to illnesses. New information is ordered and stored in the brain in sleep for easy recovery at a later time. It also helps restore muscular energy, and release growth hormones for proper physical and mental development.

When our eyes are exposed to darkness a hormone called melatonin is released. This hormone helps to trigger sleepiness and naturally lowers the body’s temperature. When Sunlight enters the eyes it reduces the production of melatonin and the production of serotonin increases. Our body temperature increases thus making you feel more awake.

People who have low levels of serotonin are more susceptible to developing sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. A person’s sleep is also influenced by their environment. Winter months can be a difficult time to get through for some people who may experience low mood and energy. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a relatively common issue that affects a person’s sleep and mood especially in the winter period.

Sunlight helps regulate a good sleep rhythm. Getting enough natural sunlight can be difficult in winter, but artificial light is a helpful substitute. This is a simple solution in how you can beat insomnia and regulate your sleep pattern. Try and work in a well lit environment in the day so you can maximize on the body’s natural production of serotonin.

Adjust your sleep time so

that you are up earlier than usual. This way you can maximize your exposure to sunlight in the day. To help increase melatonin and aid sleep, try dimming the lights in the evening. Also, it’s important not to engage in any mentally or physically stimulating activities such as work or exercise.

A bedroom that is completely dark during sleep will make it easier to fall and stay asleep, so ensure that you make it as dark as possible. Blackout curtains are ideal in the bedroom to stop exterior light from entering. A set of curtains can be lined to thicken them to help block exterior light sources. On the other hand, some people may find that wearing an eye mask is a better solution.

I have already mentioned that melatonin induces sleep and reduces body temperature. Does this suggest that body temperature affects sleep? Most people find that they are restless and uncomfortable when sleeping in a hot room.

Women suffer from sleepless nights when they are menstruating as their body temperature increases. The temperature of the human body rises in the morning and thus helps us stay awake. As we approach bedtime the body cools down this makes us drowsier.

A hot bath an hour or so before bedtime can be very effective at inducing sleep. Although it increases your body temperature and energy levels, the quick drop in temperature can accelerate the drift into sleep. Ensure that you give yourself time to cool down before bedtime.

The proper sleep wear can make sleep much more relaxing. In addition, keep your room at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. During summer this can be difficult, so I suggest that you wear lighter clothing, use a thinner duvet, and keep your windows open.