The Importance of Quality Sleep - A Reminder from a Stressed and Sleep-Deprived Wellness Professional

If there’s one thing that will remind you just how important sleep is, it’s stress. And I’ve had my fair share of it recently. Moving house is stressful enough, but throw in a water leak that floods the entire ground floor—while you’re staying away for a long weekend - and you’ve got the perfect storm for sleepless nights. Boxes still unpacked, precious belongings damaged, and a to-do list that seems to grow by the hour… let’s just say my nervous system has been working overtime. And, this experience is a great reminder that when stress levels are high, sleep suffers. And when sleep suffers - you feel it and are just not yourself.

Sleep is as important to us as food and water

This weekend, as the clocks go forward, many of us will lose an hour of sleep, disrupting our already delicate circadian rhythm. As a naturopathic nutritional therapist, I know just how crucial our body’s internal clock is—not just for sleep, but for overall health. That doesn't stop me from falling into bad habits as recently experienced. We are all human trying to do the best we can.

So, in this post, I want to remind us why sleep is so vital, how stress disrupts it, and how we can support our bodies to rest, recover, and realign—because trust me, I’m taking my own advice right now!

Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think

Did you know that one in three adults doesn’t get enough sleep? Poor sleep isn’t just an inconvenience or about feeling groggy the next day. Over time, it can create havoc with your energy levels, mood and overall health.

With the clocks going forward this weekend, many of us will feel the effects of even just one lost hour of sleep. But the truth is, our modern lifestyles already disrupt our natural circadian rhythm more than we realise. In my clinical practice, I see first hand how sleep (or the lack of it) impacts health in ways people often overlook.

So, let’s explore why sleep is so vital, how it affects everything from your energy levels to long-term health, and—most importantly—what you can do to start sleeping better.

The Role of Sleep in Health and Wellbeing

Sleep isn’t just downtime. It’s a time when your body repairs, restores and resets. It is crucial for muscle recovery, hormone regulation, immune function, and even memory consolidation. In other words, skimping on sleep isn’t just about feeling tired – it affects your entire system. Just as you need food and water to survive, your body needs sleep to function optimally.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults. Yet, many people sacrifice sleep for work, socializing, or simply binge-watching “just one more episode.” The problem? Chronic sleep deprivation can have serious consequences.

Sleep, Energy and Your Daily Functioning

Ever notice how after a bad night’s sleep, you feel sluggish and lack the energy to perform daily tasks? Everything just feels so much harder. That is because your body and brain havn’t had a chance to reset properly. Poor sleep can lead to:

Brain fog and difficulty focusing – making even simple tasks feel overwhelming and motivation levels hit the floor
Lower energy levels – your body struggles to efficiently convert food into fuel and you crave chocolate, biscuits and white carbs
Increased fatigue – creating a vicious cycle where exhaustion makes it harder to sleep well the next night.

The Physical Toll of Sleep Deprivation

Failing to prioritise sleep can result in numerous health complications including:

Heart Disease: Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Lack of sleep can cause the body's stress response to go into overdrive, increasing blood pressure, and harming the cardiovascular system.
Weight Gain: Studies suggest that sleep plays a key role in regulating hunger hormones. Those who don’t get enough sleep often see an increase in appetite and cravings, leading to unhealthy weight gain and obesity.
Blood Sugar Dysregulation: Inadequate sleep can affect insulin sensitivity, which can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Weakened Immune System: The body repairs and fights infections during sleep. With sufficient sleep, you’re more prone to getting sick and longer recovery times.

Sleep and Mental & Emotional Wellbeing

If you’ve ever felt extra irritable or emotional after a rough night, you’re not imagining it. Sleep has a profound impact on your mental health and can be viewed as the foundation for emotional stability and resilience. Poor sleep can contribute to:

Increased stress and anxiety – Cortisol (the stress hormone) stays elevated, keeping your nervous system on high alert
Mood disorders – Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety
Poor decision-making – Your ability to think rationally and assess risks is compromised when you’re sleep-deprived

The consequences of Sacrificing Sleep

Life can get busy and sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice, sometimes by choice, sometimes not (I’m thinking of little people here, so pain that keeps waking you up). It’s easy to think, I’ll catch up on sleep later, but unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Sleep debt accumulates, and consistently getting less than you need can lead to:

Burnout and chronic exhaustion – making even enjoyable activities feel like a chore
Increased risk of anxiety and depression – due to an overworked nervous system
A higher chance of long-term health problems – including heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other chronic illnesses

How to Prioritise Sleep and Feel Better

If your sleep habits have taken a hit (like mine have recently!), now’s the time to reset. Start by assessing your current sleep habits and identifying areas for improvement. Take small steps to enhance your sleep hygiene and make sleep a non-negotiable part of your day.

Some small, practical changes include:

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule – even on weekends
Create a wind-down routine – avoid screens and caffeine before bed
Support your circadian rhythm – get morning sunlight and limit late-night exposure to artificial light.

Of course, there is a lot you can do with nutrition to ensure you have the right building blocks to support your sleep hormone production and blood sugar balance. But that is a topic for another day.

Better sleep isn’t just about feeling well-rested—it’s about feeling like the best version of yourself. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s rest! Start prioritising it today, and your body (and mind) will thank you tomorrow!

Thank you for reading this blog. There is a lot that can be done from a nutrition and lifestyle perspective to help you improve your sleep and overall health. You can start by downloading this month’s free ebook ‘Sleep Smarter’. Or sign up for a power hour where we can discuss practical strategies to improve your sleep quality, balance hormones, and support your overall wellbeing. Please click here to complete an enquiry form or book a call. I'd love to help!