This article emphasizes the importance of optimizing sleep behaviors and routines because they impact our daily functioning and long-term health. It points out that most of the tools discussed for optimizing sleep are supported by peer-reviewed research and can significantly improve the quality of sleep and daytime alertness. Consistent routines, for example, can help regulate mood and mental health, and contribute to better sleep quality by getting optimal amounts of slow wave (deep) sleep {Slow-wave sleep, also known as deep sleep, is the third stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. It's the deepest stage of sleep, and is characterized by low-frequency, high-amplitude brain waves. Slow-wave sleep usually lasts between 70 and 90 minutes, and takes place during the first hours of the night.} and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep {a phase of sleep when people dream, and is characterized by rapid eye movement, low muscle tone, and brain activity that's similar to when people are awake. During REM sleep, a person'sbrain activity increases, breathing increases, heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, eyes move rapidly while closed, Muscles in the arms and legs become temporarily incapable of movement.} Sleep toolkits typically include various approaches such as the timing and type of light exposure, temperature regulation, food and exercise timing, caffeine consumption, supplements, and digital tools like relaxation scripts and self-hypnosis techniques. These resources help individuals tailor their sleep strategies to their specific needs, improve their sleep quality and structure, and, consequently, enhance their daytime functioning. Overall, a sleep toolkit is deemed necessary as it provides the means to systematically address different factors that contribute to sleep quality, allowing individuals to take a proactive and personalized approach to improve their sleep and, by extension, their health and daily performance.
In my next article, I will discuss how to get sound sleep.
Disclaimer: This website is for information purposes. This is NOT medical advice. Always do your own due diligence.
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