There are many benefits of a good night’s sleep, from improved concentration and energy to increased creativity and better physical health. But there are also several lesser-known psychological benefits of sleep that can help you feel more relaxed, stable and calm.

Getting a good night’s rest on a regular basis may seem like a challenge, especially during times of stress or in the face of life changes. But a regular routine of seven or more hours of sleep a night has been proven to improve your mental and physical well-being. It can even make you happier.

If you suffer from insomnia, a lack of sleep can significantly affect your mental health. Insomnia is a chronic disorder in which you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for an extended period of time. Insomnia can result from various causes including anxiety, stress, depression, or trauma. It can also be a side effect of certain medications or a symptom of underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or cancer.

It is possible to treat some forms of insomnia, but you should see a doctor or counselor before beginning any treatment. If you have a chronic illness, the best way to reduce your risk of insomnia is to manage your symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is important to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and practice relaxation techniques before bed. Aim for a consistent bedtime and wake up routine and keep the bedroom environment comfortable and free of light.

Sleep has a long history of being described as a passive state, but scientists have come to realize that it’s not just about closing your eyes and letting your body rest. Research has shown that it is a dynamic process with distinct stages. A common view is that there are two types of sleep: a deactivated phase called non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and an active, dreaming phase called rapid eye movements (REM).

Scientists have discovered that the brain undergoes a series of changes during the different phases of sleep. For example, the activity in parts of the brain involved in learning and memory is reduced during NREM sleep and increased during REM sleep. Another important change is that the glymphatic system clears out waste from the central nervous system during sleep.

In addition to these changes, sleep is characterized by certain rhythms that occur on a daily cycle. For example, the drive to sleep increases at night, and the urge to wake up decreases during the day. These rhythms are regulated by our biological clock and work in conjunction with the circadian system that controls growth, reproduction, and other bodily functions.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is an illness that requires the same level of attention and professional treatment as other eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. BED has been linked to a host of other health issues and can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected. It is also common for BED to co-occur with mood and anxiety disorders.

BED is characterized by episodes of binge eating wherein an individual consumes unusually large quantities of food over a short period of time, even when they are not hungry. This may be followed by feelings of shame or guilt around eating and a lack of control. This can lead to a variety of complications such as low self-esteem, depression and other psychological issues. BED can also increase the risk of heart disease, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems.

People who have a history of BED often have other co-occurring conditions such as mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders or impulse control disorders like trichotillomania. This combination of disorders fuels the cycle of BED and can make recovery difficult.

Many of the warning signs of BED are similar to those of other eating disorders and are often overlooked due to the shame and secrecy surrounding these episodes. Some of the most common warning signs of BED include:

The most important function of a bed is to provide restful sleep. To do this, the mattress must offer comfort and support in all different sleeping positions. To achieve this, there are several layers in a mattress that work together to do two things:

This is the layer that you directly rest on; it can be made from body-hugging memory foam or cooling gel latex. Next is a transition layer which contains padding for additional comfort and support. Finally, a foundation layer is included to keep the mattress stable.

In addition to the above, a good mattress should also have edge support and airflow for cooling. These components can be a little harder to find in boxed mattresses, but they are an essential part of a comfortable bed.

Another important aspect of a good bed is the ability to properly make it. Making your bed daily can help you get a better night’s sleep and improve overall health. It is recommended that you make your bed with freshly washed sheets and pillowcases and a clean mattress protector. To make your bed, you should fold and arrange your regular pillows in your preferred position and then fluff up your throw pillows. You should also arrange your blankets or throws so that they are neatly tucked under your regular pillows or behind the corner of your mattress.

BED is a complex condition that affects the whole body, but it can be treated with proven therapies like CBT and IPT. Throughout treatment, Equip’s team of experts will guide you in unlearning the diet beliefs that are fueling your BED and embracing an “all foods fit” approach. This will support you in breaking the binge-restrict cycle and establishing long-term recovery.