People with sleep problems feel tired during the day when they should feel rejuvenated and energised. Their mental faculties are impaired as are various physical functions which is why having enough sleep is so important. Without enough sleep we simply cannot function at optimal levels and all things in our life, relationships, work and health deteriorate.

How much sleep do we need a night?

How much sleep we need each night tends to vary from generation to generation with babies sleeping as many as 15hrs a day, small children 12 hrs daily and adults an average of 7-8 hrs a day.

Why do we need sleep?

Why humans sleep and what happens to our body and brains when we sleep isn’t strictly known by scientists but we do know we feel better for having had it and that we appear to deteriorate mentally and physically fairly rapidly when deprived of it.

One school of thought is that we need sleep so we can store and sort information and even problem solve. However on the basis that my pet cat and many other animals sleep most the day away and yet have few problems to solve I dispute this. I personally think it has more to do with preserving and storing energy. Thus is we are inactive we sleep less and if we are very active we sleep more. This seems to fit with the level of sleep the different age ranges have and the fact that as we get into our senior years (70’s) we do sleep less.

Humans also seem to sleep less in the summer months than the winter ones. Perhaps that is because we absorb more light and thus more energy during waking periods enabling us to stay awake longer and require less energy preserving sleep than in winter months when natural light is scarce.

What happens if we don’t get enough sleep?

Lack of sleep can result in the following:

• Diminished energy levels
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Reduced memory
• Poor concentration
• Affected balance – clumsiness, dropping things etc.
• Lowered immune system
• Slower reactions
• Forgetfulness
• Impatience (perhaps more aggressive)

How to get a good nights sleep – 4 top sleep inducing tips

1. At least an hour before bedtime, start your wind-down routine:

We create wind-down routines to help our children sleep (warm bath and a nice story etc.) so why not treat ourselves just as kindly! Prepare your body and mind for sleep by getting them both into a relaxed state. Switch off the computer, have a nice warm milky drink and perhaps read a relaxing book or listen to some soft music.

If you’re watching TV, the less action and thought provoking drama the better. The idea is to relax your mind and body as anything that over stimulates both might hinder you falling asleep quickly.

2. Drink plenty of water.

Throughout the day and a small glass of water before bedtime. If we are dehydrated we will have trouble sleeping not to mention a headache!

3. Jan De Vries Night Essence.

This is a natural flower remedy which is effective at halting a busy mind, allowing you to relax and eventually sleep.

4. 5-HTP
(http://www.virilityhealth.co.uk/5-htp-120-capsules.php).

This product helps to create a calm and relaxed state and thus aid sleep. If your sleep problems are anxiety/stress related this might be the natural sleep remedy for you. It has been compared to anti-depressants and has been found to be very effective.

If you feel your sleep problems are very serious, do consult your Doctor, as there might be an underlying medical reason for your lack of sleep. Also consult your Doctor if you are on other medications before trying over the counter sleep remedies.