Are You Sleep Deprived?

Recently, the Today show reported that rest and relaxation is the number one reason people shared for why they wanted a getaway! According to a Hilton hotels survey, people are actively seeking ways to disconnect and restore their mental, physical and emotional health with rest. Goodbye Disneyland, hello sleep suite!

Many people experience lack of sleep, and research shows that it can have several negative effects on our physical and mental health.

Some possible concerns are impaired cognitive functions and poor physical coordination, which can affect motor skills, balance, and coordination, impacting performance in activities that require fine motor control, such as sports or driving.  As well as weakened immune systems, weight gain, metabolic issues and increased risk for chronic illness such as heart disease can also be impacted by our quality and quantity of sleep. Sleep deprivation can also contribute to mood disturbances causing irritability, mood swings, increased stress and heightened emotional reactivity.

Have we gotten your attention yet?

Overall, it is important to prioritize adequate sleep for optimal health and well-being. The exact sleep requirements vary from person to person, however, most adults generally need between 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly.

Sleep allows the body to repair and restore itself. During sleep, the body can replenish energy stores, repair damaged cells and tissues, and strengthen the immune system, regulate hormones and improve mood, creativity and critical decision making!

People spoke and hotels are listening and creating luxury, high touch and high tech suites with services including massage, red light masks and guided meditations added to their suites. Personalized pillow and specialty mattresses. It could set you back close to a $1000 a night for these suites, so how can you create this same experience in your own home? 

Here are some tips to help improve your sleep quality:

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. 

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your body's internal clock.

Create a sleep-friendly environment. 

Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. Use curtains or blinds to block out external light, earplugs or a white noise machine to minimize noise. Choose a comfortable mattress, and invest in luxurious linens and supportive pillows.  

Establish a bedtime routine. 

Develop a relaxing routine before bed to signal to your body and your mind that it's time to sleep. This could include activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Avoid electronic devices before bed. 

The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablet, and computers can interfere with your sleep. If you use your phone for your alarm, be sure to put it in sleep mode and place it face down.

Find Relaxation. 

Clear your mind and relax your body at night, such as practicing relaxation techniques, journaling, or engaging in activities that close out your day.

Avoid large meals and excessive fluid intake before bed. 

Eating a heavy meal or drinking too much fluid close to bedtime can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. Try to have your last meal several hours before bed and limit your fluid intake in the evening to prevent nighttime bathroom visits.

Creating healthy sleep habits takes focus and consistency, but it’s so worth it.  Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you!

If you continue to struggle with sleep despite implementing these tips, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional.

Sweet dreams.

About the Author: Mary Wilson has been a beauty industry pro for 40 years and has contributed in many arenas including marketing, sales, education, communication and presentation skills. She has always believed the very best way to find  overall happiness is to create authentic beauty while maintaining your own physical, mental and emotional health. In addition to being a beauty industry leader, Mary has been a certified yoga teacher for the past 10 years, leading wellness retreats and teaching yoga, breath work. reiki and energy healing. She will be at the upcoming Data-Driven Salon Summit in Denver teaching Yoga May 64h. Since launching Wilson Collective in 2019, Mary has embarked on sharing her message directly with stylist and salon owners by traveling the country in an RV with her partner and husband and sharing the Wilson Brand, teaching the Wilson Method of Haircutting, as well as Styling and Wellness.