Trying to sleep better

2-minute read from our co-founder, Steve Jennings

At Yeu, we believe in the power of five key pillars for a long, healthy, and vibrant life: sleep, movement, nutrition, community, and environment. For me, sleep is the most challenging pillar to manage daily.

It's easy to forget that we need to spend about one-third of our lives sleeping to ensure our bodies recover from the demands of everyday life. 

The truth is, the other two-thirds of our lives simply wouldn’t be possible without the essential role of sleep.

Over the past year, as we've developed Yeu and our five pillars, I've delved deeper into the critical role sleep plays in maintaining our health. 

Most of us need between 7-9 hours of unbroken sleep per night. This becomes even more important as we age, due to changes in our sleep patterns and increased risk for sleep disorders. For me, the sweet spot is 8 hours, with the occasional 10-hour sleep. Unfortunately, my current pattern is around 5 hours, and I'm taking steps to improve this.

What chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to 😴

• Compromised cellular health

• Increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease

• Depression

How short-term sleep loss affects your body 🌙

• Impairs cognitive function, including memory and attention span

• Increases the risk of accidents and injuries

• Causes mood changes like irritability and anxiety

• Reduces immune function, making us more susceptible to illness

• Increases inflammation, contributing to various metabolic health issues

Tips for better sleep 💤

1. Wake up at the same time every day

2. If you struggle to fall asleep or wake up in the night, get out of bed and do something relaxing like reading, then return to bed when you feel sleepy again

3. Exercise every day

Things I avoid before sleep ✨

1. Using my phone or computer

2. Drinking excessive alcohol or any caffeine

3. Engaging in stimulating or distressing activities, like watching the news (these days) or binge-watching cliffhanger TV shows

I'm starting to treat sleep with the same importance as fitness and diet. Good sleep habits are crucial for our health, and the empowering feeling that comes from a good night’s sleep is incomparable. I know that when I get a good night of unbroken sleep, I'm at the top of my game, without needing quick energy fixes like caffeine and sugar.

Here's to better sleep and better health,

Steve Jennings | Co-Founder + CEO, Yeu