Everyone wishes to have a stable mental health, to be physically fit, and to achieve emotional balance — all at the same time. However, it all seems impossible to fulfill.
But what if we tell you that one of the first steps in achieving these relies on your sleeping pattern?
Yep, you heard that right! It can be achieved through a proper sleeping pattern. So, begin opening your eyes at sunrise, not closing them just when the sun starts to say hello. Let us get that sleep routine back on track!
How much sleep should people in their early 20s have?
Scientifically speaking, young adults need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. It is through this that their bodies are able to refresh and regain the energy they need in order to properly function the next day.
However, it should be noted that sleeping 7 to 9 hours is not the only ingredient required for a healthy lifestyle; one must also begin sleeping at the "right" and "proper" time, which is early in the evening. In other words, don’t stay up ‘till late at night.
"It should be noted that sleeping 7 to 9 hours is not the only ingredient required for a healthy lifestyle; one must also begin sleeping at the "right" and "proper" time, which is early in the evening."
You are sleeping late because?
When I asked some college students why they doze off late, most answered that it usually is the only time when they get to talk to their friends, some with their boyfriends and girlfriends, about how their day went.
Most of those who answered said they do the ‘chika’ while doing their academic requirements. They claim that doing so allows them to have fun while working on their academics. Unfortunately, it is also the reason why some people end up sleeping later than planned. As a result, the multitasking night (or dawn) usually ends in a lack of sleep. Some college students sleep late and wake up early to attend classes, while others start their days by noon.
Sleep deprivation is frequently associated with a string of poor performances — may it be physically, emotionally, or mentally.
"Sleep deprivation is frequently associated with a string of poor performances — may it be physically, emotionally, or mentally."
One architecture student shared that due to the massive pile of plates expected from them, not getting enough sleep (or not sleeping at all) for two to three days straight has become their norm. Apart from a lack of social life, this pain-in-the-head norm is unquestionably the root cause of their stress.
It is when she began to resort to consuming coffee to stay awake during the night. Unfortunately, it was her fascination with and reliance on coffee that led to her hospital confinement due to a gastric acid problem — a warning to coffee addicts!
Thus, one must be wary of his/her coffee intake. One must consider what type of coffee to drink, when to drink it, and how frequently it is safe to consume. While it can keep you awake at night, it can also make you sick.
"One must consider what type of coffee to drink, when to drink it, and how frequently it is safe to consume. While it can keep you awake at night, it can also make you sick."
Consequently, another college student expressed her sentiments about the negative effects of sleeping late. She noted that she mostly feels irritated when she wakes up from a late-hour sleep. This has also resulted in her usually waking up around lunch time already. Unfortunately, in addition to affecting her ability to think clearly, sleeping late causes her to nap involuntarily during class.
Proper Sleep equals Self love
You can definitely prevent yourself from experiencing the problems mentioned above. And yes, it is achievable if you have a healthy sleep routine!
Changing your sleeping hours might be easier said than done as it will require you a great amount of discipline. However, you will be thanking yourself later, especially after enjoying the benefits of what an eight-hour sleep could give.
"However, you will be thanking yourself later, especially after enjoying the benefits of what an eight-hour sleep could give."
Emotionally…
“Mabilis ako mairita tapos ang lala ng anger issues ko pero ngayon, nakokontrol ko na, ” this is one of the responses I received from the same architecture student mentioned above when I asked her about the benefits of sleeping early. Furthermore, two other college students agreed that being woken up early is less likely to irritate them. One also shared that sleeping early made her less sensitive and grumpy towards the different noises around her.
Mentally…
One of the stimulators of good mental health is to have a healthy sleep routine. By then, you are allowing yourself and your body to function properly.
Sleeping early also gives you time to do more tasks before class time. The time period could be allotted for your “me-time,” allowing yourself to have some time to meditate, or what we call “munimuni,” and reflect from yesterday’s happenings and make manifestations for the time being.
Hence, sleeping early allows you to have more time to engage in activities that are enjoyable for you and beneficial to your mental health, allowing you to be more productive.
Physically…
“Nakakapag-almusal na rin ako simula no’ng maaga na akong natutulog. Dati kasi, lunch na yung first meal ko lagi,” stated by the same architecture student mentioned above.
Shifting from the nocturnality to diurnality means that you are capable of waking up early.
This also gives you plenty of time to eat your breakfast properly rather than eating while in class.
Remember, loving yourself also means eating properly. This means having eaten the three meals required for the day, especially breakfast.
Aside from all of the previously mentioned points, you wouldn't want to overlook the benefits of sleeping early to your natural beauty. In fact, sleeping and waking up early provided enough time for one of the interviewed college students to complete her morning skincare routine.
In science, sleeping early helps you prevent yourself from having those dark under-eye bags. The tint of the skin in this area is more noticeable when there is sleep deprivation — causing your blood vessels to dilate, increasing the blood flow.
Lastly, you should be aware that when you sleep, your body naturally produces new collagens, which helps your skin sag less and prevents wrinkles at an early age.
In essence, I know that sleeping late at night is unavoidable — most especially as we are college students who are flooded with tons of academic workload. Thus, once or twice is okay, but it should not become a habit for anybody.
However, don't pass up the chance to appreciate "day" life more. So start sleeping early and enjoy the sunrise and the benefits that come with it.
Graphics by: Sofia Vinuya
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