One of the most essential part of a daily cycle for us is sleep. We spend one-third of our lives in sleeping. Even though the reasons to sleep is a mystery in itself which is yet to be cracked by various studies, we still fall asleep after a certain time being awake. It is important that we get between seven and nine hours of good quality sleep every night. This is when a number of essential physiological changes occur and our body replenishes. Many studies have shown that sleep plays a significant
role in brain development.
Whatever may be the mystery in reasons we require sleep, we just cannot deprive ourselves of regular and timely sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to many health complications both physically and mentally. There may be several reasons leading to sleep deprivation like stress, lifestyle, physiological disorder, diet etc. It is important for you to keep a track of quantity and quality of sleep you are getting and any prolonged disturbance in sleeping pattern has to be attended immediately.
Sleep deprivation, when untreated over a period of time, leads to long term complications and health issues such as weakening of your immune system, memory loss, impair your judgement skills etc. Let us take look at some ways to cure sleep deprivation.
This is a popular method used to get good sleep since ages. Amino-acid present in milk is considered responsible for its sleep-inducing effects. Prefer a glass of warm milk over alcohol, which complicates sleep deprivation over time.
It is a known fact that you don't get proper sleep while you are hungry. After a healthy dinner, if you still feel signs of hunger, there is no sin in having a snack to fill the void such as crackers or wheat snacks.
Though tea is considered a drink to make you more active, there are certain herbal blends that promote sleep. Chamomile, passionflower or lemon balm teas are known to induce sleep.
A while after your supper, some form of physical activity is known to get you better sleep. A simple walk around your neighbourhood or your terrace will help in improving your chances or good overnight sleep.
During the day you might be habitual coffee drinker to keep yourself active at work. It is best advised to avoid caffeine intake in the evenings so that the effect of caffeine does not spoil a sound sleep.
It is best advised to hit the bed at the same time of the night you are used to. Occasional stretching of the schedule to watch a game is fine, but an erratic sleep times affect your quality of sleep.
Smoking is a major cause for sleep deprivation among many. Nicotine is a known stimulant, which ends up depriving you of sleep. Smoking increases anxiety levels too, which in turn affects proper sleep.
Before the bed time, it is important to keep your worries at a distance. A worrisome mind will cause sleep deprivation resulting out of bad dreams carried forward by unwanted thoughts taken to bed.
Learn a breathing technique which helps you relax and help calm your body and nerve. Proper breathing techniques help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure to induce quality sleep.
Upon consultation with your doctor you can be prescribed for a good sleep supplements and other sleep inducing medicines. Such alternative therapies to treat sleep deprivation have been very successful in many cases.
Prolonged sleep deprivation has to be attended by professional treatment to avoid long term health complications.