SORT OUT YOUR SLEEP

Not getting enough rest can be detrimental to your health, so try our guide on how to improve your bedtime habits

- Ruth Ramsay

Modern life is hectic, which can make sleeping well a challenge. Estimates suggest that as many as 51% of UK adults aren't getting enough sleep, averaging under 6.5 hours per night, which can be detrimental to our health and wellbeing.

“Lack of sleep is associated with an increase in many physical health conditions: diabetes, higher blood pressure, weight gain, development of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. It can also affect our looks and skin,” says Dr Kat Lederle, sleep and circadian rhythm specialist at The London General Practice. “Because it affects our ability to think through problems and our decision-making and risk assessment, we are also more prone to accidents when we are sleep deprived.”

But it doesn't stop there. Poor sleep also affects how we feel and how motivated we are to socialise, meaning there might be a connection between poor sleep and loneliness or social withdrawal.

“When we are lacking sleep we become irritable, angry and anxious and experience low mood. Overall, how well we have slept affects how we show up for ourselves and the world around us,” says Dr Lederle.

To ensure sufficient, quality sleep we need to adopt a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful environment. One technique that recently went viral is mouth taping, which involves taping your lips closed to encourage nose breathing while you sleep.

“I guess it’s going viral because if it worked it would be easy to do and its cost-effective,” says Dr Lederle.

“Generally, I would not recommend it due to lack of scientific studies and medical equipment.”