AMERICANS NOW SLEEP 90 MINUTES LESS PER NIGHT THAN THEY DID IN THE 1980'S
Are you getting your Zzzz’s - What to listen for: How do you feel when you wake up in the morning? Do you find it difficult to get out of the bed? Are you tired throughout the day? Notice your energy levels and take them as a clue for whether or not you are getting the restful sleep your body needs. How much sleep do you get most nights? Do you go to bed around the same time and wake up the same time? Most adults do not get enough sleep. Quality of rest with proper rhythms. Our bodies all require long periods of sleep in order to restore and rejuvenate, to grow muscle, repair tissue, detox and synthesize hormones. Even those who watch what they eat and exercise regularly, tend to skimp on sleep. They use one of 2 main excuses: (1) It is the “me time”. Time at the end of the day when the kids and/or spouse may be asleep, and we get to do what we want; or (2) It is that time to get everything done that we did not get done during the day. We tell ourselves that the next day will be easier if we write that report or answer those emails now. These are harmful thoughts for different reasons. Spending more Facetime with your Pillow…MATTERS Quality sleep is essential for a healthy life. Unfortunately, lack of refreshing sleep is a very common problem with some research reporting that more than 35% of American adults are sleep deprived. It takes several forms:
We all know that poor sleep can lead to all kinds of health issues, including diminished cognitive skills, poor thinking, anxiety, and reduced work performance. Chronic sleep deprivation is even more serious with many health consequences including increased risk for infections, heart disease, depression, and a propensity for accidents. If you do experience chronic poor sleep, it is wise to see a health professional or even a sleep specialist, to discover the root cause and find appropriate treatment. Many lifestyle factors affect our sleep patterns. If we examine the other 4 pillars: Nutrition, Movement, Stress and Connection—we find that all of them play a role in this important part of staying healthy. Eating excessively, drinking caffeinated beverages, or alcohol before bed may make it hard to sleep. Not exercising enough during the day or exercising too vigorously close to bedtime may also compromise your sleep. Worry and stress are probably the number one causes of disrupted sleep. Upgrading your sleep patterns will support other healthy lifestyle changes, too. Getting enough rest, for example, will make it easier to skip that second (or fourth) cup of coffee in the morning. It will keep you focused during a meditative practice and less likely to slip into a cat nap. |
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What is Sleep Hygiene?
Sleep hygiene is the term used to describe good sleep habits. Considerable research has gone into developing a set of guidelines and tips which are designed to enhance good sleeping, and there is much evidence to suggest that these strategies can provide long-term solutions to sleep difficulties.
When we run short on time, sleep is often the first to go. Sleep is something we can change and see an immediate result. Sleep affects memory, mood, energy, immunity, overall health and much more. Do you need a sleep makeover? With my coaching program, you will assess your sleep needs, integrate good sleeping habits, and find solutions and action steps for your sleep issues.
Sleep Hygiene Tips. Click here to download our helpful guide (pdf).
Sleep hygiene is the term used to describe good sleep habits. Considerable research has gone into developing a set of guidelines and tips which are designed to enhance good sleeping, and there is much evidence to suggest that these strategies can provide long-term solutions to sleep difficulties.
When we run short on time, sleep is often the first to go. Sleep is something we can change and see an immediate result. Sleep affects memory, mood, energy, immunity, overall health and much more. Do you need a sleep makeover? With my coaching program, you will assess your sleep needs, integrate good sleeping habits, and find solutions and action steps for your sleep issues.
Sleep Hygiene Tips. Click here to download our helpful guide (pdf).
Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to be effective tomorrow.” ~ Tom Roth |