A good night’s sleep is something we all crave.
It’s crucial to feel rested, relaxed and recharged for the day ahead – but unfortunately, this isn’t always achievable. There are certain factors that can make it difficult for people to get a good night’s rest.
Neuroscientist Robert Love, who frequently shares health advice on TikTok, suggests that a common mistake many people make could “increase the risk of insomnia”.
He believes that many people don’t realise how this simple error can impact their sleep patterns. Sleep is “essential” for our wellbeing, he emphasises, so it’s vital that we get enough of it.
He said it’s particularly important for maintaining a “healthy brain”. Robert explained all in a recent video.
Robert said: “Lots of people are making a simple mistake that is increasing the risk of insomnia. It is wearing sunglasses first thing in the morning.
“Get outside in the morning so you get plenty of light – don’t look directly at the sun, but being outside stimulates your eyes and tells your brain it’s morning.
“Then it makes it much easier to fall asleep 16 hours later – approximately 16 hours later. If you wear sunglasses on your morning walk, you are decreasing the amount of sunlight that gets into your eyes, and it decreases the benefit of that early morning sunshine.
“So, do wear your glasses, do wear your contacts when you do your early morning walk but, if you can, take off your sunglasses. That will be really good for your sleep.”
What you need to know about insomnia
While it may seem counterintuitive, donning sunglasses in the morning could actually be detrimental to your sleep. This is due to the fact that they obstruct the natural sunlight that our bodies need to regulate our circadian rhythm, which is crucial for setting our wake-up signal and promoting a good night’s rest.
Generally, it’s recommended that people refrain from wearing sunglasses early in the morning to optimise their sleep cycle. However, it’s worth noting that this won’t solve all sleep issues – it can merely help.
The NHS states that people who regularly suffer from insomnia have persistent sleep problems. Typically, these can be improved by making some changes to your sleep habits.
Insomnia can be triggered by various factors such as stress, noise, work schedules, jet lag and consumption of alcohol or caffeine. It can be managed by adopting practices like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, relaxing before bedtime, ensuring your room is dark and quiet and exercising regularly.
If the problem persists, it’s advised to consult your GP for further guidance. It’s vital to seek medical assistance if you’re finding it difficult to cope.
You might be suffering from insomnia if you regularly experience the following symptoms:
- Find it difficult to go to sleep
- Wake up often during the night
- Lie awake at night
- Wake up early and fail to go back to sleep
- Often feel tired after waking up
- Struggle to nap, even when you’re tired
- Feel tired and irritable during the day
- Struggle to concentrate because you’re always tired