6 Benefits of Regular Sleep
Too many of us struggle through our days because we struggle with sleep.
Unfortunately, our bad sleep habits get ingrained in us at a young age—in large part because our culture teaches us that sleep isn’t as important as having fun and getting things done.
Our teenagers are busy with activities, burdened with homework, and want to stay up late connecting with friends. Believe it or not, they are wired physiologically to stay up late and sleep late. But they have to get up early to get to school and work on time.
College students study hard and play hard. Staying up late partying or studying is the norm. Coffee and energy drinks abound. Sleepy Sundays do, too.
Then as adults, it doesn’t get better. Work and play—and Netflix—keeps us up. Most of us are exhausted. We often wake up with just enough time to get out the door and get going, grabbing a quick coffee and breakfast on the way. We’re usually quick to anger, stressed and unfocused, and struggle to lose the extra pounds.
But in the sleep-deprived chaos, we rarely think that prioritizing our sleep is the answer to clearer, calmer, happier days.
But that’s exactly what it is.
The importance of having a sleep routine
To get more sleep and start feeling better each day, we need to flip our cultural script on its head. We need to prioritize rest on our calendars.
In other words, we don’t just need to sleep. We need regular, consistent sleep.
The time we go to bed and then wake up in the morning affects our energy and productivity dramatically. When we’re in rhythm here, life works better. But when the times we wake up and go to bed are all over the map, we struggle.
Long story short: Irregular sleep times wreak havoc on our physical and emotional health.
But a consistent sleep routine can restore it.
6 ways having a sleep routine can help
The best sleep routines don’t change based on the day of the week.
Typically, we get up with just enough time to get ready and get out the door for school or work. Then, on weekends we sleep in a little longer. Unfortunately, this throws off our body’s rhythm and our quality of sleep.
But when we go to bed and get up at the same time every day, we experience many benefits:
It’s easier to wake up. After a while, our bodies automatically wake up at the same time. With no more need for an alarm to shock your body, each day starts off peacefully.
Our bodies get ready to fall asleep at night around the same time, and we have a better rhythm to our days.
A regular cycle of sleep helps our alertness during the day. We can focus better, and it improves our memory.
When our sleep is consistent, we naturally have a more positive outlook and mood. Irritability decreases. Joy skyrockets.
Our bodies work better with consistent sleep. Our immune system improves, and with less stress coursing through our bodies, it’s easier to lose weight.
Physical pain decreases. Our bodies heal faster and carry less stress, emotionally and physically.
Starting your own sleep routine
If you have irregular sleep times, it’s okay. You’re normal.
But now is a good time to make adjustments and get into a better rhythm of rest.
The good news is you don’t have to try to change everything all at once.
Start with getting up at the same time every morning for two weeks. It may be difficult for the first few days, but give it a week or two, and your body will adjust and get into a rhythm.
As it does, you’ll find it’s easier to get to bed at the same time every night. Soon enough, you’ll be in a good rhythm. Better yet, you’ll be feeling so good that you’ll want to stay in a good groove.
Even if you’re still skeptical, give it a try.
And give yourself some grace. Our modern, fast-paced lives will make it tough to pull off, and every night won’t be perfect.
But with a good sleep routine, you’ll have more peaceful and productive days, and it’ll be easier to walk in hope and healing.
Written by: Cindy Picht
About Cindy Picht:
Cindy is director and co-founder of Light the Way Counseling. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. She combines her skills with compassion and encouragement to help people find hope and healing.