ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP? ( 2 minute read)

 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

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