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Most people know the frustration of tossing and turning in bed, and not being able to sleep.
According to a study done in 2016, released by Sovereign, more than one third (35 per cent) of Kiwis reported not getting enough sleep, with 35-49 year olds being the group that was most sleep deprived.
Women suffered from poorer quality and quantity of sleep, and stress, emotions and electronics were noted as key sleep disruptors.
Sovereign chief medical officer Dr John Mayhew says the value and health benefits associated with a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be underestimated.
In her new book, Sleep Sense, Dr Katharina Lederle explains how to learn more about your own internal biological clock, and how to start sleeping in line with it, regardless of outside pressures such as work, children and spouses.
In addition to learning why sleep matters for the brain, the body and a person’s emotions, the book presents a ‘menu’ of simple and practical options to start improving sleep immediately.
“The goal is to create your own ‘sleep symphony’ where your own internal and external worlds are in sync,” Dr Lederle says. “You’ll find this results not just in more peaceful nights, but more energetic and focused days as well.
“Everyone is unique, and in an ideal world we would all sleep in tune with what chronobiologists call our internal clock. However, the pressures of the world and the schedules we have to keep mean that we try to force ourselves into patterns that go against our nature. This can lead to physical and mental health problems.”
Health authorities recommend the following steps to help get a better night’s sleep:
• Set your body clock
• Wind down at bedtime
• Keep your evenings stimulant-free
• Go to bed when you’re tired
• Be active in the day
Book Giveaway
Mahurangi Matters has a copy of Sleep Sense to give away. Email editor@localmatters.co.nz with Sleep Sense in the subject line before June 15 to go into the draw. Don’t forget to include your name and a daytime phone number.
