Wake up feeling groggy and lethargic though you know you got your 8 hours sleep? Found yourself getting irritable and on edge throughout the day? Tossed and turned for what seemed like hours before you dropped off to sleep?
These are sure-fire signs of disturbed sleep that doesn’t make you feel rested, relaxed and rejuvenated. We spend roughly a third of our day in sleep, but rarely check in to ask whether we’ve had the right quality and quantity.
Why Is Sleep Important?
All living beings go through cycles of activity and rest. This resting period is used to repair and reset systems, and prepare them for the next cycle of activity. In human beings, this translates to ensuring that the body and brain get enough downtime, renew and repair cells, process and store information in the brain, categorize and organize memories and boost learning.
Good sleep is also responsible for weight management, mood stabilization, optimum growth, attention span and concentration, and an efficient immune system.
Keeping these factors in mind, adequate sleep is part of your self-care routine.
Sleep Routines: Discover Yours
Your mental, physical and spiritual health are directly affected by your sleep or the lack of it. The need for sleep varies with age, environment, health status and psychological factors.
Life is very different from the time when our ancestors lived. Today’s world is gifted with bright lights, blurring of strict day-night activities, long work hours, addiction to digital devices, lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyles and increased stress at home and work.
As a result, our natural circadian rhythms don’t function the way they should. We are able to stay awake at will with the help of caffeine or other substances, and as a result, we suffer from sleep disturbances and deprivation.
Your self-care routine must include a dedicated and consistent sleep time. You can do this with the help of a set of activities that signal your brain that it’s time to wind down and rest.
Some people take a warm shower, listen to soothing music, meditate, read, darken the bedroom, avoid screen-time, make sure that the place is clean and uncluttered, keep the place temperature-controlled and more. Spend a few moments preparing for the next day so that you are sorted, and don’t have last-moment panic attacks. Journaling, planners and to-do lists are a great option for this.
You may have to try out different routines to zero in on the one that suits you best. Whatever the path you choose, it’s important not to stress yourself about sleep. This is a vicious cycle that leads to more stress and lack of sleep.
Silk Pillowcase : A Super Sleep Aid
Ever wondered how your favorite celeb looks dewy-fresh when they get out of bed? The secret is silk pillowcases! Surprised? Take a look here at the Rest and Digest mulberry silk pillowcase 25 momme. The fact is that a simple hack such as this can not just make you look great, but also feel totally relaxed in the morning.
The reasons aren’t hard to find. Silk is a fabric that is smooth and your skin glides over it softly, preventing fine lines and wrinkles. It is less moisture absorbent than cotton so it keeps you hydrated.
Silk pillowcases look classy, and more than that, they have temperature-regulation properties. In summer, your silk pillowcase is cool and refreshing, while in winter it offers a warm support for your head without making you sweat.
Another great benefit of silk is that it doesn’t absorb odors that may disturb you at night. Perfume, room-fresheners, aromatherapy or scented candles are soothing and pleasant up to a point, but after a while they can cause restlessness or headaches.
Silk is hypo-allergenic, and doesn’t support growth of bacteria, dust-mites or other microorganisms. It is a breathable material, easy to maintain, and surprisingly highly durable, though it seems so delicate.
If you apply a range of skincare products at bedtime, your silk pillowcase gives you the maximum utilization. Unlike cotton or synthetic blends, silk doesn’t absorb these products so you get the full benefit. If you have sensitive skin, silk is your best bet to avoid irritation and itchiness that keep you awake.
Silk pillowcases are a great gift to give yourself or a loved one, and they are a strong, sustainable message that emphasize the importance of self-care in your everyday life.
