The Body Keeps Count (Part 1): Why You Need to Sleep Early

Sleeping early is directly related to cardiac health. People who consistently sleep early have been found to be more productive during the day, less prone to mood swings and have a stable appetite. 

Distractions are everywhere especially now that everyone is equipped with a smart device. But the long term effects of sleep deprivation are far too great to ignore. It goes without saying that the most obvious benefit of sleeping early is that if you sleep early, you will also wake up early.

Circadian rhythm

This is a term used to describe your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. It functions as an internal clock.

What happens to your body when you don’t sleep early

Sleep helps your body regulate stress hormones. This is why after a good night’s rest, you wake up feeling refreshed, carrying no baggage from the previous day. However, getting less than 6 hours of sleep is directly linked to increased blood pressure. It also increases your likelihood of experiencing a stroke. All of this tend to strain your heart in the long run. Over time, this will also manifest as unnecessary weight gain and inability to control one’s appetite. When you are sleep deprived, it is difficult for your body to rest and recover.

Read also: 5 benefits of brisk walking

How to train yourself to start sleeping earlier

An adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep daily to function properly. It can also be a bit daunting to get rid and of all the distractions and get a good seven hours sleep.

Practical steps that can be taken include creating a sleep routine. First, it is important to limit one’s blue screen exposure in the evening. Secondly, finding a relaxing environment is also key. Regular exercise has also been shown to improve the circadian rhythm. However, experts do not recommend rigorous exercise close to bedtime.

It goes without saying that if you sleep early, you will also wake up early. To quote Jodie Foster, “In the end, winning is sleeping better.”