We all know just how important it is to get a good night’s sleep, but we also know that this isn’t something that’s always achievable despite how tired we might feel or how much we really want to rest up. Every human needs to sleep, it’s how we’ve been designed. To have a siesta is highly recommended but to have a rich full night’s rest is crucial not just for the short-term but long-term benefits.
In today’s blog, Model Direct, focuses on an annual event, World Sleep Day, which is marked on the 15th of March. This day aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of good sleep and the problems that can arise with sleep-related issues on our health and well-being if our sleep hygiene is disrupted.
Our perspective of the modelling industry
When you’re a busy working model constantly on the go, being booked in for assignments nationally or even overseas, or clients who are bringing together a wonderful marketing campaign booking models from reputable agencies, it sure is hard work and catching a few z’s and quality sleep is important.
Why is quality sleep essential for our overall health and well-being?
Good sleep is key to giving our body the time and space it needs to repair and recover. Our bodies are constantly working hard during the day with the amount of activities we’re doing (even thinking requires energy!), and the night is dedicated to its recuperation.
Sleeping well helps with muscle recovery, boosting immune system function (so keeping infections at bay) and encouraging tissue growth. Alongside this, sleep enhances the memory, polishes up problem-solving skills, boosts learning, development, and decision-making skills. And to think that just by closing your eyes and drifting away means there’s so much to gain, well, the more snoozes the merrier!
When it comes to mental health, there are lots of studies that link adequate sleep to improved mood, reduced stress, and better emotional well-being. Staying alert, focused, helping regulate appetite, reducing risk of weight gain and obesity are other positive factors of getting adequate kip.
What are the sleep-related issues if you aren’t getting enough sleeping hours?
If you’re not hitting your average 7-9 hours of sleep per night, then you might see that your concentration levels and ability to react quickly reduces. This isn’t good especially if you’re driving or handling machinery.
Some people may experience sleep disturbance such as:
Insomnia – the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep for prolonged time.
Sleep apnoea – a stop, start breathing pattern whilst asleep resulting in tiredness during the day and longer term health issues such as developing high blood pressure and stroke.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) – a strong urge to move legs perhaps due to nerve cell damage coupled with the natural cycle of dopamine levels decreasing at night causing the spasms.
Narcolepsy – a neurological disorder which disrupts the natural rhythm of sleep/wake patterns which could result in excessive daytime sleeping to make up for the lost time at night.
Sleep tips to help you drift off to the land of nod
Aside from the usual advice given to set up a healthy night time routine (same bedtime everyday, low lit room, comfy temperature, no interaction with devices at least an hour before bed time, skincare routine, and bath time routine), we’ve seen a surge in recent years of ASMR videos claiming to help people to drift off to sleep easier. On a personal note, this has been tried and tested and it seems to work.
Recent studies have also shown how white, pink and brown noise may also help. “One recent study found that 38% of people fell asleep faster listening to white noise.” – White Noise, Pink Noise, and Brown Noise: What’s the Difference? By Kara Mayer Robinson for WebMD.
If you’re finding your sleep patterns are a bit of a pickle, try listening to these relaxing sounds and of course, always consult with a medical professional!
We hope that you get a good night’s rest after reading this blog and perhaps following some of the suggestions that we have mentioned. If it’s a real struggle, do seek professional advice!
