In our culture, sleep is not respected very much at all. We are programmed with the idea that to be successful, we need to sleep less, and we can catch up on all the sleep we want when we’re dead. Getting enough sleep is just as important as good nutrition and physical activity. It’s our most underrated health habit.
Today much of our society is still operating under the delusion that sleep is simply time lost to other pursuits. The big challenge is that in our fast paced world today, millions of people are chronically sleep deprived and suffering the effects of getting low sleep quality. Most people don’t realize that their continuous sleep problems are also a stimulant for diseases and appearance issues they’re experiencing. In a society that’s overworked and under-rested, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to issues associated with not getting the sleep that we require. High quality sleep strengthens your immune system, balances your hormones, boost your metabolism, increases your physical energy, and improves the function of your brain. According to a recent Gallup poll, almost 40 percent of all adults are sleep deprived, clocking significantly less than the recommended minimum seven hours of sleep per night. The lack of sleep also has a major impact on our ability to regulate our weight. In a study by the Mayo Clinic, those who were sleep-restricted gained more weight than their well-rested counterparts over the course of a week, consuming an average of 559 extra calories a day. That is due in part to the fact that people who get more sleep produce less of a hormone called gherlin– the “hunger hormone” which increases our appetite. The bottom line is when we we’re not well rested, we’re not as healthy. The shortcut to success is not made by bypassing sleep, contrary to what some of the so called “gurus” have claimed. You will work better, be more efficient, and get more stuff done when you’re properly rested.
How can you get healthy sleep?
Some habits that can improve your sleep health:
- Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
- Avoid tobacco/nicotine
- Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night
Copyright ©2017 Don Cormier All Rights Reserved.
I know I’m definitely not getting enough sleep. I’m gonna try some of these tips. Thanks
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It’s a struggle especially for ambitious people.
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I wake up at the same time each day but going to sleep is the problem. Plus I sleep with the tv on and tablet and ph in the bed. All bad
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Oh yeah that’s the problem right there.
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Thanks for the tips
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You’re welcome!
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Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
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If only it was easy for me to get a decent amount of sleep lol. I got a little that won’t sleep early 🙄 not to mention college classes.
Will do my best to implement these tips into my lifestyle though lol.
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Yes try it out. I have faith in you. Balance is key!
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Fab, I have written holistic tips on sleep too. It is so important in order to feel amazing 🙂
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Most definitely!
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I’ve tried the camomile tea or the baths with lavender oils.
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Thank you for the post. I adore sleep as I’m suffering lately from less sleeping
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You’re welcome thanks for reading!
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Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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I got an oil burned as a gift and then all kinds of good smelling oil and I swear lavender and peppermint oddly do seem to help with sleep issues. Good post that I can do better about.
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I’m glad you mentioned avoiding alcohol. Many people think alcohol helps them sleep, but it actually reduces sleep quality.
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Yeah I don’t think people understand what quality sleep really is.
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Hey there! Great read. Over the past year, I have definitely learned the importance of sleep. Nice blog btw and thanks for the follow 🙂
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Thank you and you’re welcome your blog is great!
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Thanks for visiting my blog. This post is useful. As a writer there never seems to be enough hours in the day and it is tempting to just ‘keep going’ . This is a great reminder of the importance of sleep.
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I can definitely relate and I love your blog. Keep working hard but get some sleep also.
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Reblogged this on Wendy Unsworth and commented:
A useful reminder to all writers ( and anyone else) who is tempted to ‘just keep going’ Get some rest!
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Thank you for stopping by my blog recently, Don, and for following.
I like the name of your company and your blog. When I think of my body as the Temple, I’m more inclined to care for it and give it what it needs. Your blog is so sleek and simple; quite attractive. And some good words here too.
Blessings
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You’re welcome,your blog is awesome and uplifting. Thanks for supporting Temple Fitness, God bless you!
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Often i don’t get my slipped within the drugs i use..
hence three days no sleep, nonetheless had some powerful thoughts..
i also see that you dropped by for a read,
methanks!
chris
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That’s a different topic, that’ll I’ll address one day. But Thanks for reading I appreciate it!
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You’re welcome…
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Reassuring to know I am generally following your points :-).
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Thanks enjoy!
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Thanks so much for visiting and following my blog. I do already implement many of the suggestions you have here. Thanks for reminder of how important sleep is and the benefits of taking care of our bodies.
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Your welcome and thanks for reading!
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Convicting reading this; I need to take better care of my sleep.
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I think we all could improve in this area. Thanks for reading!
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I have consistent sleep patterns. I’m one of the fortunate ones. Thank you for following my blog.
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That’s great to hear and you’re welcome!
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Nope not getting enough sleep these days. I try and go to bed the same time every night and by the end of the day when I get home I want to crash!
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Very good information, and in a quick format. Thank you!
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Thank you, that’s exactly my aim.
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Very nice and unique guidance
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Thank you so much!
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I am proud of you Don. Not that it means anything, but I am. I also believed that sleeping less for achieving more pursuits was better….. but the negative outcome that I received was that in sleeping less. My pursuits had no passion. And in wanting to pursue more, I felt that they had become more work and less pleasure. Life is meant for living.
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Thanks and that does mean a lot. I think a lot of us can relate to this topic. Which what inspired me to write it.
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It’s the getting up at the same time on weekends that I find difficult, though I do tell my children that would help them. I just like to not have to worry about the alarm clock, but I think it’s good advice.
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It’s very true!
We should consider sleep as a duty, actually much more pleasant than many others.
Nice blog: interesting info!!
Thank you very much for following mine.
All the best!
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Thank, you have an awesome blog also!
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Thank you!
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Reblogged this on moima rion vila and commented:
Thank U
❤
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You’re welcome thanks for sharing, I really appreciate it!
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Thank U ❤
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Not being on a definite schedule has definitely hindered my sleep, but as a server who works till almost midnight, it is difficult to find a schedule that works for me.
Also, is the 7 hour minimum for every person? I’ve always felt that I do well on 5 to 6 hours per night? Thoughts?
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According research it’s been said we should get up to 7 hours sleep. But even for me some nights I’m only getting 5. I think as long as you aren’t feeling lethargic when you wake up 5 to 6 should be good for you.
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I am trying to get into bed and asleep before midnight and definitely need to get in more exercise – but I know that I am sleep deprived!
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Yes I think that the quality of sleep is just as important as the quantity.
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Great advice.!! Good sleep is so hard to come by and so vitally necessary. Pleased to meet you too.! Also, thank you for the blog follow 🙂
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You’re welcome and thank you as well!
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De nada 🙂
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‘Getting enough sleep is just as important as good nutrition and physical activity. It’s our most underrated health habit.’ amen!
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Interesting, I had no idea about the hunger hormone. Thank you for posting!
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You’re welcome and thank you for reading my post!
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No. I am not getting enough sleep. I live in a noisy apartment. So going to sleep the same time at night can’t happen. Moving soon i hope to get back into yoga that use to help.
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“Today much of our society is still operating under the delusion that sleep is simply time lost to other pursuits.”
This is such an important reminder. We’re not very good about doing something I call “sit and be.” Which involves exactly what it says. Thanks for your post.
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” sit and be” I like that!
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I’m amazed at the 40% stat. I thought it would be more like 85% of adults not getting enough sleep. I’m one of them but I do have that feeling that while I’m here I might as well be awake and not sleep through it. I know that’s ridiculous but there it is.
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No I completely understand. As long as you’re awake and present.
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Haha, I don’t think I ever get enough sleep…
Nice content on your blog!
Thank you for finding and following mine!
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I haven’t had a good night sleep in ages! Wake up in the middle of the night and that’s it. Can’t go back to sleep. MZ
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Thank you Don! I appreciate the part about consistency and exercise as two keys to healthy rest Very cool. ❤
Blessings, Debbie
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You’re welcome thanks for your support!
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I have nominated you for the Unique Blogger Award! The post comes out tomorrow! http://growingself.blog
Thank you for your inspiration!! Roda
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