The most important thing

Did you know up to 45% of adults don't get enough sleep? Sleep is more than just a restorative process of the brain, by the brain, and for the brain; studies are expanding our understanding of sleep that we now know the most important qualities for weight management and health, in order, are:

1. Sleep

2. Nutrition/Diet

3. Exercise

Health is not the only thing impacted by lack of sleep. Other consequences of inadequate sleep include:

Up to 29% of adults report making errors at work

Up to 17% of adults report missing work

Up to 20% of adults have "nodded off" while driving with 5% of all road accidents being attributed to this.

It's no surprise that we are suffering from the time management constraints placed on our lives between friends, family and work. How are we expected to manage our physical and mental health when our sleeping patterns are simply unhealthy?

We all know we should reduce our screen time before bed, including usage of mobile phones, televisions and computers, but it is difficult to practice. 

Minor changes can be made at home allowing you to regain some control over your subconscious mind.

reprogramming habits - not using devices or watching tv in bed, instead bringing a chair into your room to sit in until you felt tired enough to sleep.

eating better, avoiding sugars or energy foods before bed, instead eating complex carbs and fats to feed your brain functions and encourage restful sleeping patterns

balancing exercise habits with meditative processes, focusing on activity during daylight hours and reflection, prayer, meditation at night.

Using natural remedies to help encourage sleeping habits including warm milk, lavender & juniper berry essential oils

educating yourself on healthy sleeping habits and sleep hygiene 

Shawn Stevenson published "Sleep Smarter" in 2016 - a book with 21 essential strategies for not just sleep but how to harness the power to achieve a healthier body, better health and better success in life, study and work. It is a book I'd recommend to anyone struggling to find balance in their life.

If sleep is something you're struggling with, why not book a consultation? Together we will work to understand the negative forces impacting your sleep and how to encourage positive factors to promote a restful night.

(Report to the Sleep Health Foundation

2016 Sleep Health Survey of Australian Adults, Robert Adams, Sarah Appleton, Anne Taylor, Doug McEvoy, and Nick Antic)