Fight infection in your sleep
How a decent slumber can help more than your mood
We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep. Without it we feel tired, irritable, and can find it hard to focus. Lose sleep over a long period and it can even affect you physically, by making you prone to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
But do you know that sleep also boosts immunity? It’s a fact. So, in these uncertain times, a good kip is not only important, it’s vital. Fight infection in your sleep.
We go through two stages of sleep during the night. Rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM). Doctors are undecided on what the purpose of REM is, some believe it helps to discard unwanted information, a kind of spring-clean of the brain, others think it’s a way to practise dealing with things we may not encounter in our daily lives. They are in agreement however that REM, the dream stage of sleep, is less important than the second stage of slumber, NREM.
NREM makes up the majority of our night and is where we sleep the deepest. The levels of this deep sleep decrease as we age, which is why older people may find they are disturbed more easily and wake more often during the night. But it’s during these periods, throughout your life, that the body is at its busiest. It’s healing muscles that you worked during the day, digesting your meals, and generally repairing any damaged cells. It’s also making and releasing cytokines – a type of protein that targets inflammation and infection. So getting enough sleep can actually help you fight any nasty infectious diseases you may encounter.
If you struggle to get to sleep, or to stay asleep for the whole night, it may be worth taking a look at your bedtime routines and your sleeping environment. Follow our tips for a better night’s sleep and your daytime mood and health can improve.
- Bedtimes are not just for kids – set daily bedtime and waking times and stick to them
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals two to three hours before bed
- Wind down: a warm bath, an hour reading, or a relaxation cd can help the body prepare for bed
- Invest in a quality bed – contact us at Mobility Hire to discuss your individual needs
- Replace old pillows and mattresses regularly. Ensure they support you properly, particularly if you suffer from arthritis or muscle pain. Our range of pressure-relief products are ideal
- And remember if all else fails, top-up with a short (less than 30 minute) nap in the morning or early afternoon
- But avoid spending hours dozing in front of the TV
Above all, as we spend more and more time at home during the lockdown, try to distinguish between day and night by staying active during waking hours, whether it’s working your brain or body. It may be hard to keep busy at the moment, but your body will thank you if you do.
