Victory Abanjo
Sleep has always been a welcome but mysterious and sometimes elusive guest in our lives (Rosemary 2014).
During the time of the ancient Greeks, they believed that the god Morpheus granted or refused sleep to mortals. That is to say that sleep is a gift given by the gods.
Sleep is a state in which mental and physical activity is reduced, there is alteration of sensory activity to a certain extent. Sleep is an important part of our daily life.Getting quality sleep and enough of it at the right time is as important to survival as food and water. It is obvious that we need to sleep but Why?
According to the repair and restoration theory; it allows organisms to repair or replenish key factors in the brain or body that are depleted during daytime activities. We not only recover from physical fatigue but also from emotional and intellectual demands. There is more to Good sleep than just the hours spent in bed. A good night sleep is when you fall asleep quite easily, do not wake up too early and feel refreshed in the morning. When you always have difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night, is not normal for healthy people.
Tips for a Good Night Sleep
1. Take time to relax
2. Create a restful environment void of distraction.
3. Avoid Technology
4. Avoid late and large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
5. Make sure your room is quiet, relaxing and at a comfortable temperature.
Consequences of not Having a Good Sleep
Lack of good sleep drains your mental abilities and can put your physical health at risk. For instance if you’ve ever spent a night tossing and turning, you already know how you will feel the next day- tired, cranky, worn-out etc.
Absence of good sleep brings about unnecessary aggressive feelings (irritability), mood swings, day time fatigue and depressive feeling.
Benefits of Good Sleep
1. Good sleep can boost your immune system
2. Good sleep can strengthen your heart
3. Better sleeps equals better mood
4. Good sleep improves memory
5. Good night sleep improves productivity
Recommended Hours of Sleep
Age 3-5 10 to 13 hours
Age 6-12 9 to 12 hours
Age 13-18 8 to 10 hours
Adults 7 or more hours
You don’t necessarily need to sleep for 7 hours straight as adults, taking naps are also included.
Get good sleep and stay healthy!!!
About the Writer
Victory Abanjo is a psychologist at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
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