Sleep is of the utmost importance for the human body. It affects our overall mental And physical health, including our mood, skin, appetite, and more. It is an essential function because it allows for the body and mind to recharge and keeps the body away from diseases. If the brain is deprived of enough sleep, it will not be able to function properly. In the current times of the COVID-19 pandemic, sleep is vital to help the body fight off those bacteria. And for high school students, sleep deprivation is a common disease itself. Without enough sleep, students must fight to stay focused and concentrated throughout the day.
Dr. William Dement, the founder of Stanford Sleep Disorders clinic, spoke on this issue stating, “I think high school is the real danger spot in terms of sleep deprivation,” reported by a Stanford Medicine article.
It has been scientifically proven that creating a nighttime routine can help your mind understand it is time for your body to unwind. This can involve reading a few pages of a book, drinking a glass of water or adapting any of the other habits mentioned in this article! Another tip is monitoring caffeine intake. Caffeine affects each body differently but avoiding caffeine especially in the late afternoon may improve how quickly you fall asleep. Additionally, keeping technology away from you for a few minutes before bed can help prepare your brain for sleep. The blue light emitted from screens affects melatonin production which is the vital hormone in charge of your sleep-wake cycle. (AKA circadian rhythm) This makes it harder to fall asleep each night and wake up the next morning.
This is more of a school habit but procrastination is key to sleep! If you procrastinate lots of work leading you to stay up until 3 in the morning, it will have a big impact on your sleep schedule for the future. I also recommend not doing homework on your bed but instead sitting at a desk or a table so you are alert and focused while doing your studies. When doing work in your bed, you are more prone to falling asleep or becoming more sluggish and lazy!
As for products and tangible things you can use to improve sleep, there are multiple so you just need to find what works for you! My personal favorite that I use every night is a diffuser with essential oils. It also emits a small white noise so if you struggle sleeping in silence – this is perfect! There are many different types of diffusers coming in various sizes and some that even light up. Another item that fits perfectly on a nightstand for bedtime are candles. (be responsible!) I like to light them as I’m going to bed to make for a calming environment with a pleasant aroma. Eye masks are also a popular gadget people utilize to help them sleep. They can put a halt to bedtime distractions, such as technology, because with a mask on you are less inclined to open your device if you have a mask on. Eye masks can also improve your skin, especially around the eye area which is some of the most delicate skin on the body and it can prevent dry and itchy eyes in the morning.
As a last resort, you can turn to vitamins/gummies such as Melatonin or the brand “Olly.” These can help you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep for longer periods of time. It’s important to not always rely on these supplements however because then you will become addicted and won’t be able to sleep well without the presence of them.
To reiterate, sleep is very important, especially during this time of the year, so make sure you are implementing helpful habits to get your beauty sleep!
