As it is Sleep Awareness Week and what is currently going on in the world at the moment, now is good time to explain why 8 hours sleep supports a strong immune system and helps with your general wellbeing.
During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you’re under stress. So sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines and In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don’t get enough sleep.
We all know the value of a good night’s sleep, but few of us know that the financial cost of a bad night’s sleep could be as much as £46.80 every day.
The figures were put together by online bedding and bathware retailer, Soak&Sleep, following a survey of Brits which showed:
– 72% of people surveyed said they were more likely to fall into bad habits after a bad night’s sleep, including skipping the gym, snacking, buying tea and coffee and ordering takeaways.
The spend was even higher if you factored in other costs like taking the bus or train instead of walking, buying energy drinks, purchasing headache tablets, sleeping tablets or sleeping aids such as meditation apps and pillow sprays.
Commenting on the findings, Soak&Sleep CEO Sarah Smith said:
“We know that people are far less likely to be able to function at their peak after a bad night’s sleep but we were surprised at how quickly the cost of that could add up. Fortunately, the UK is becoming much savvier about sleep and we are also seeing that in purchasing patterns amongst our customers, who are investing in products that can aid better sleep such as breathable fabrics for temperature regulation at night or the right mattress for their body type. These seem like worthwhile investments in sleep compared to the money people waste every day they sleep badly.”
Now as some of you may or may not know, something called Botanicals, which are naturally-occurring, aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots and flowers of plants. They have been revered for thousands of years for their health benefits. These botanical components are the base of all essential oils, supplements, teas and other products.
Whether it’s the sedative high altitude Himalayan Lavender, the tenderness from Provencal Lavender and supporting Lavender from the Cornish Coast, genuinely support your sleep.
Lisa Artis, Head of The Sleep Council added:
“We believe sleep should be recognised as the third pillar of good health alongside diet and exercise, and this study by Soak&Sleep shows how closely the three are interlinked. People are more aware than ever of the benefits of sleep and today, on World Sleep Day, we will be specifically promoting how essential a good night’s rest is to a healthy lifestyle and boosting your quality of life.“
