As we all emerge from the depths of winter and begin to notice the sun setting that little later, I am sure we are all getting excited for what the rest of 2023 has to offer. One daily routine that might be the key to a healthy and happy year is sleep! It is very much in vogue at the moment in the health and wellbeing world and we want to help spread the word that we all need a wake up call re: its importance!

Sleep deprivation is currently a bit of an epidemic in the western world. The national average is 6 hours and 25% of us here in the UK report some kind of sleep problem.  Considering sleep quality and consistency has been linked to a myriad of health and wellbeing benefits, it is slightly scary that many of us do not get enough.

As physiotherapists we routinely ask our clients about sleep, both within the context of their pain or problem but further to that, it actually is a massive player in both making you more susceptible to pain, how sensitive you are to pain and how quickly you will likely recover. At West End Physio, we adopt an holistic approach and so our clients mental health and sense of wellbeing is paramount. Sleep problems can elude to anxiety and depression and in turn may even lead to it. Did you know that the number 1 risk factor for persistent back pain is a history of depression? So we take this pretty seriously! 

So, sleep can have a detrimental effect on your mental wellbeing, your risk of pain and your sensitivity to pain. Furthermore, you may be at more risk of hurting yourself.  A 2014 US study involving 160 athletes found that those who slept less than eight hours per night were 1.7 times more likely to have an injury than those who slept for eight hours or more.  Sleep is protective as much as it is healing.

Follow our 5 top tips to supercharge your 2023 without leaving your bed!…

• Get enough – 8 is an absolute must for most of us. It is a myth that some of us need less. 
• Be consistent – there is some data suggesting sleep quality is linked to sticking to a routine allowing your circadian rhythm to become established.
• Figure out if you are a lark or an owl? If you live with someone else, know what they are and consider delegating household tasks accordingly… the lark does brekkie!
• Don’t sacrifice sleep to fit things in. E.g. Getting up at 5am to take in a morning run means you need to factor that into your bed-time! 
• Nap’s are really valuable! This one is a great one for those struggling with broken sleep, such as new parents. Naps are like plugging yourself in for 30 mins

If pain is getting in your way, get in touch! We would love to help get you off to a great start this year. Book here