Struggling to achieve quality sleep has become a regular challenge. To keep the mind fresh and our health intact, we often see health experts urging us to sleep for 8 hours. Despite sleeping for 8 hours, we often wake up feeling tired and groggy. The perplexity behind this is unsolved, and we are too busy bothering about more important things than our sleep. Obviously! Seriously though, have you ever asked yourself, “why do I feel tired even after sleeping sufficiently?” Junk sleep is the answer.
Junk sleep is a new term to describe the poor quality of your sleep. If you keep waking up in between your 8 hours of sleep, the quality of your sleep is compromised. You fail to get deep sleep. A disturbed sleep does no good to the body. Poor sleep can cause irritability, frustration, tiredness, and lethargy. Junk sleep hampers nourishment to the brain and body.
What are the signs of Junk Sleep?
If you are experiencing the below mentioned most common signs almost daily, there are chances you might be a victim of junk sleep.
Feeling sleepy and tired even after resting/sleeping for sufficient hours during the night
Poor concentration
Feeling cranky or restless throughout the day
Dull appearance, lethargy
Indigestion
Brain fog
What are the common causes of Junk Sleep?
Stress, anxiety and depression are common causes of poor sleep quality.
Hot flashes, sweating
Snoring
Rampant bathroom breaks
Lights (either from within the house or public lights entering through the window)
Noise of any kind
Uncomfortable mattress
Any kind of body pain
Acid reflux
How can it be cured?
Although a common concern among many today, junk sleep is very much manageable. One must ensure good sleep hygiene. How to do that?
Stress has become a part of everybody’s life. However, managing it and taking care of your mental health is essential to keep the mind calm. Only when the mind is calm, will it rest and sleep deeply. Make sure you are journaling, meditating, exercising, venting to your closed ones, or practicing other activities to help keep your mental health in a good state.
Eat light and healthy. Avoid greasy or junk food to prevent junk sleep. The more natural, healthy and nutritious food you eat the better your gut health will be. Healthy gut is key to a good sleep.
Ditch the devices one hour before bed time. Don’t do activities at bedtime that are likely to activate your mind like, listening to songs, talking to friends over the call, or even reading a book.
Follow healthy sleeping habits. Don’t fall asleep on the couch or your bean bag. Sleep on the bed where your body can spread out comfortably. Further, use correct and comfortable mattresses.
Avoid the intake of liquids at night, especially alcohol. Drinking liquids at night will make you want to use the loo again and again disturbing your sleep.
Quit consuming caffeine in the evening and night if you wish to sleep deep.
Ensure you have a productive day mentally as well as physically. Since the mind and body tires after a long working day, it gets tired and demands sound sleep.
Make sure that the place you sleep in is quiet and free from harsh lights. Using a soft dim light is fine although sleeping in darkness is the best way to get deep sleep.
These are some common and best ways to combat junk sleep. However, if you feel your are facing severe issues regarding your sleep, it’s best to get professional help.
