Food and exercise are always at the top of the list when we think about our well being.
With constant pressure all around us to follow a healthy diet and take regular exercise, how many of us remember the third (vital) element of the well being trio? Sleep is the forgotten health issue. Get it right and you should feel ready to start your day with energy, vitality and a clear head. Get it wrong and there are a whole host of problems you could be causing,
Poor quality sleep can have a big impact. Interestingly, not getting the right quota of sleep not only affects you, it can also have negative repercussions for those around you. Let’s examine the consequences of poor sleep habits:
- Lack of sleep is a serious long term issue as research has shown that it is associated with higher mortality rates; it can even shorten your life span.
- The medical conditions associated with poor sleep include a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and a range of stomach disorders.
- Not sleeping well can not only cause physical issues, it can have a profound effect on our emotional wellbeing too – at best causing irritability and mood swings, and at worst triggering depression.
- It is also worth considering that our own lack of sleep can cause problems at work and in our relationships as well as hindering our ability to think clearly and perform well.
- It is a stark reminder of the importance of sleep when you consider the fact that tiredness is proven to increase the risk of causing a road traffic accident.