Everyone has been there, a late night out with friends or finishing up a project for work that results in a little to no sleep night. Doing this every once in a while will not have any lasting effects on your body. However, doing this on a consistent basis can have undesirable lasting effects. Here are some signs that your body needs more sleep:
Falling Asleep In Places That Aren’t Your Bed
Do you often fall asleep while relaxing or watching TV at night? If so many experts believe that is a sign that you are definitely not getting enough sleep. It means that your body is trying to grab any opportunity to catch up on sleep, but is not the kind of sleep you need. Your body needs some “down time” meaning you should be able to relax and naturally fall asleep.
Conversely, if you try to watch TV in the bedroom it may actually stimulate your brain making sleep harder to get to sleep. So, take the TV or computer out of the bedroom so that your sleep pattern knows that the bedroom is a place for sleep. If you feel you have to watch TV then try to do it several hours before planning to go to bed and do not watch it in the bedroom.
Lack of Bedtime Routine
Are you one of those people who comes home from work and you are so tired that you immediately go to bed? While that may seem like you are getting the sleep you need, it simply isn’t true. It means you are sleep deprived because your body is using up a lot of energy and tries to compensate by falling directly to sleep. It is simply doing what it thinks it needs to do in order to keep you going.
Your body needs some time to relax before bedtime so that the sleep you do get is quality sleep, not just necessary sleep. You need a bedtime “ritual” that helps your body get ready for sleep. This could be something as simple as taking a bath before bedtime.
Too Much Energy at the Wrong Time
Do you find yourself lying in bed, trying to go to sleep but you just end up staring at the ceiling? That, too, is a sign that you may be sleep deprived, not giving your body enough time to wind down before bedtime. This is another instance where having a regular routine can help you overcome this problem. Taking a bath and relaxing before bed is a great way to get your body into its needed sleep routine. Having great surroundings while doing this is an added benefit to obtaining sleep. Renovate your space into a beautiful bathroom in NJ and elsewhere by adding relaxing features like a new massage shower-head or even a whirlpool bath.
Mood Changes and Depression
Feeling sad or depressed? Being depressed is another sign of sleep deprivation. Your body could be trying to tell you that it isn’t getting enough quality sleep in order to keep running smoothly. Sleep deprivation and mental disorders or depression have similar symptoms. After ruling out medical reasons, consider changing your sleeping habits and you may just find that cure you and your body are looking for.
Sleep deprivation can be a serious problem. It can cause accidents or any number of unnecessary actions. Take the time to learn exactly what your body needs in order to keep it running in top condition. Don’t neglect your own personal rest and relaxation no matter how many things remain on your to-do list.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.