Why Is Sleep Important? The Benefits of a Full Night’s Sleep

But if you’re regularly having trouble getting enough sleep, you’re not alone. It is estimated that between 50 to 70 million people in the U.S suffer chronically from a sleep disorder, which means they can’t get to sleep or stay asleep for very long². In this guide, we take a look at some of the top reasons why sleep is important, and share our tips on how to get better sleep. Read on to find out more, and set your mind (and body) at rest.

You should talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your sleep.

Considering the impact a lack of sleep can have on the human mind and body, it’s not surprising that – by contrast – getting plenty of good-quality sleep can be really fantastic for our physical and mental well-being. So the good news is there are many benefits of sleep.

When we sleep, our nerve cells have a chance to repair themselves so that they function at their best. This can help strengthen our brains and improve our ability to think clearly^3,9.

If you’re studying at college or doing lots of training at work – take note! It’s vital you get a good night’s sleep when you’re trying to take in new information, as we’re more able to process and retain information when we’re well rested⁷.

During a phase of sleep known as non-rapid eye movement (Non-REM), your body builds muscle, repairs tissue and boosts its immune system – great after a challenging workout, and for helping aches and pains³.

This is why it’s so important to effectively manage pain at night, such as back pain or leg pain, as it can lead to what some patients have begun to call ‘painsomnia’.

If you’re finding your minor aches and pains stop you from getting some much-needed rest, you can try over-the-counter sleep and pain relief options. TYLENOL® PM^**, for example, helps you fall asleep faster^*.

Be sure to always read and follow the product label of the OTC pain reliever and talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

^**TYLENOL® PM contains a pain reliever and nighttime sleep aid.
^*than placebo/vs no treatment

That link between sleep and mental health – especially depression – really can’t be ignored. Have you ever noticed that you wake up feeling rested and in a much better mood when you sleep well?

Researchers have found that daily sleep quality and a person’s mood are closely related, so the science seems to bear that out too⁸.

Sleep deprivation can occur as a result of your day-to-day lifestyle. For example, you may get less sleep if you’re woken in the night by children, or an elderly relative you care for.

If you have irregular working hours or stay up late at night to watch TV or read, you may find that this also impacts how well you sleep.

Not having the right sleeping environment can also cause sleep deprivation. This could include a room that is too bright, too hot or cold, or too loud¹⁵.

Investing in a comfortable bed and mattress, and managing light levels, noise levels and temperature effectively, could make all the difference.

Fortunately, there are some useful things you can do to help, if you’re struggling to get to sleep at night.

Managing minor aches and pains with over-the-counter products can help remove one of the barriers to a good night’s sleep, by easing your discomfort and helping you fall asleep.

Try to take some time to relax your mind and resolve your worries before you head to bed for the night. You could try writing your thoughts down in a journal or taking some time to meditate.

Some people find that preparing for the following day and setting their priorities can help ease stress and anxieties too. This is especially useful if a lack of sleep is contributing to depression or other mental health concerns.

Practice good sleep routines by setting yourself a regular schedule. This means going to bed and getting up at the same time every day – even on weekends. If you need some variation, try to keep it to no more than one hour each side for going to bed or getting up.

Creating this consistency can help reinforce your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

If you’re still awake after 20 minutes of settling down for the night, try getting up and doing something relaxing like meditating, reading or listening to soothing music or a sleep podcast. Head back to bed when you start to feel tired again. Repeat as many times as necessary.

Try not to go to bed hungry, or feeling over-full. It’s best to avoid eating a large meal within a couple of hours of heading to bed, as this could cause discomfort and indigestion, which might keep you up.

Steer clear of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the hours before bed too, as these can all stimulate the brain and make it difficult to fall asleep.

Keeping up with regular physical activity can help you sleep better, so walking, running or cycling each day – even if you don’t head to the gym – can be a great thing.

Just make sure you avoid being too active close to bedtime!

Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting or changing any exercise regimen.