Were you the kind of kid who didn't want to go to sleep because you were afraid of missing out on something awesome? Go ahead and count yourself in some very good company. But also know that your mom was absolutely right about setting a bedtime and sticking to it. She probably knew a thing or two about maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
We already know how critical sleep is to the body. And not just naps here and there, mind you. The body needs plenty of restful, deep sleep in order to repair itself from the day's events. It also needs that sleep consistently. Failure to get enough quality sleep on a consistent basis can contribute to all sorts of things, including high blood pressure and obesity.
Have you heard of the circadian rhythm? Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that living organisms consistently experience over cyclical, 24-hour periods. In human beings, we usually associate the circadian rhythm with the sleep-wake cycle.
Our bodies are naturally attuned to sleeping for about eight hours before waking, actively working for another 8-10 hours, and then gradually getting tired as we wind our way back to sleep. Certain chemicals produced by our brains contribute to the ability to sleep.
The point to all of this is that the body gets into a rhythm. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule plays into that. A regular sleep schedule plays into your body's natural rhythm so as to maximize your ability to sleep.
Improved sleep quality is one of the most notable benefits of establishing a consistent sleep schedule. As your body gets into its rhythm, you sleep longer and more deeply. Your sleep quality improves dramatically. There are obvious benefits to that. Here are just some of them:
It is difficult to underestimate the benefits of quality sleep on a consistent basis. If you are still struggling with the idea, compare it to something else – something you are particularly good at. Let us use the example of skiing to illustrate the point. After all, those of us in Utah are pretty familiar with it.
When you first learned to ski, you were no expert. You probably struggled like most of the rest of us. What changed things for you? Practice. Spending time on the slopes consistently practicing the skills you learned during your lessons increased both your physical and mental capabilities. Even today, the more consistent you are getting to the slopes every winter, the better you tend to ski.
Sleep is no different. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and then sticking with it allows your body to get into a routine. Your body can 'practice' sleep so to speak, helping you to eventually master the kind of deep sleep we all need for maximum health. Granted, you might need some help along the way. But that's why KindlyMD is here.
