World Sleep Day 2023

Today, Friday 17th March 2023, is World Sleep Day. It marks a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep.

It is organised by the World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society (founded by WASM and WSF) and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.

There’s a close relationship between sleep and mental health. Living with a mental health problem can affect how well you sleep, and poor sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health.

Sleep is an essential and involuntary process, without which we cannot function effectively. It is as important to our bodies as eating, drinking and breathing, and is vital for maintaining good mental and physical health.

“Sleep that soothes away all our worries. Sleep that puts each day to rest. Sleep that relieves the weary labourer and heals hurt minds. Sleep, the main course in life’s feast, and most nourishing.” – William Shakespeare (Macbeth)

Sleeping helps to repair and restore our brains, not just our bodies. During sleep, we can process information, consolidate memories, and undergo a number of maintenance processes that help us function during the daytime.

Mind, the mental health charity, has put together more information about how to cope with sleep problems.

Below are some tips and ideas to help you get good sleep. Remember, you might need to try a few different things before you find what works for you:

• Establish a routine – Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day (even at weekends).
• Relax before you try to sleep – You might find a relaxation routine can help you prepare for sleep. Listen to a relaxation app, relaxing music or take a bath.
• Fill in a sleep diary – A sleep diary involves recording information about your sleep habits, which could help you understand your sleep problem and what’s affecting it.
• Make your sleeping environment more comfortable – Making small changes to the temperature, light and noise levels can have a big difference on your quality of sleep.
• Limit screen time and devices – Avoiding screens an hour or two before bed can improve your sleep quality.
• Look after yourself – Looking after yourself physically can help improve your sleep.

Learn more about how to improve your sleep, by visiting the Mind website here.

To increase your awareness around mental health issues within boxing clubs, book a Box In mind Course here.