Good Sleep Never Goes Out of Style

In society today, we idolize go-getters: those who are willing to sacrifice everything in order to get it all done. That includes sleep. Although having high motivation and drive is great, sleep is never something we should let go by the wayside—it is just too important. Unlike low-rise jeans, rhinestones, and flashdance sweatshirts, getting a good night’s sleep never goes out of style. So, let’s dive in and discover just how important a good night’s sleep really is.

Starting with the brain, sleep deprivation can take a large toll on our mental health. During sleep, your brain enters a processing phase. There, it forms important connections, ultimately affecting how we remember and store information. When not given the time to do so, both our short and long-term memory are at risk. Not only that, but a lack of sleep sparks trouble with our concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Without enough, it is simply impossible to perform our best. Last but not least, the mental symptom we are all too familiar with is how a lack of sleep affects our mood. Whenever someone is moody, the first thing to be questioned is, “Did you get enough sleep?” Although this usually sparks an annoyed eye roll, we ask this because it's a valid explanation. When we don’t get enough sleep, we become moody, emotional, and quick-tempered—most definitely not enjoyable to be around. In order to be your best mental self, be sure to prioritize getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep each and every night. Your mind will thank you.

Moving onto physical health, a lack of sleep does measures on our body. Now more than ever, keeping up your immunity is of utmost importance. However, you cannot do that if you are depriving yourself of adequate rest. A lack of sleep results in a weakened immune system and a lesser ability to fight infection. Therefore, when you are exposed to germs, you become more vulnerable to sickness. So, if there’s one more thing you can do to keep yourself safe during this time, it is getting enough sleep. Not to mention, sleep allows for a lower risk of heart disease, decreased inflammation, better athletic performance, and much more. If it isn’t already clear, those are all the more reasons to prioritize sleep.

I know you’re probably thinking that getting enough sleep is easier said than done, and you may be right. However, the Bella Beauty NYC team is here to share some easy tips on how you can get your most restful night’s sleep. First, you must be firm in sticking to a sleep schedule. This requires that you wake up and go to bed at the same general times each night. Getting in the habit of doing so will allow you to maximize your rest and feel more energized throughout the day. On the note of being energized, try to limit caffeine intake in the late-afternoons to avoid being kept up at night. Although coffee is great and nothing hits the spot like a nice latte, drink your caffeine in the mornings. Next, spend the hours before bed partaking in relaxing activities. Whether that be reading, journaling, or meditating, take an hour or so to just unwind. Avoiding electronics is key to this, as the blue-light impairs our ability to rest. In doing all of these things, you will be on your way to amazing and consistent sleep. Soon, you will feel like your best self!