Sleep more, feel better. Science has proved that sleep doesn’t just keep you healthy, but it keeps you happy too.
The Science of Mood and Sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the biggest indicators for happiness. In fact, psychologists have found that getting one extra hour of sleep a night has a bigger impact on daily happiness levels than getting a $60,000 raise!
Healthy sleep levels provide emotional renewal and are associated with healthy relationships too. When well rested, we respond quickly to positive emotional signals from others and also are less affected by grumpy people around us.
Tips for Staying on the Sunny Side of Sleep
- Meditate before bed. The best sleepers are those who can moderate their emotions—and meditation is well known for stabilizing mood.
- Reduce sugar, alcohol and caffeine. All three of these substances are associated with strong cravings and can negatively affect your mood… and your sleep.
- Do a gratitude exercise: list all the things you are grateful for. Include everything from the roof over your head to your relationships and your own special skills.
- Contemplate your ancestors for 10 minutes a day. Studies have routinely shown that thinking about our ancestors improves mood, increases self-esteem and quickens our ability to make decisions.
References
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/sleep-challenge-2010-slee_b_436341.html
