Sleep is a natural part of life, and while some people try
to get by with as little as possible, packing their days
and nights with activities, chores, work and play, sleep is
essential to health and to optimal performance every day.
A basic need of the human body, sleep is also a basic need
of the human mind. Without enough sleep, our bodies and
minds cannot function properly and we cannot achieve the
goals we set out to do. During sleep, our bodies take time
to rejuvenate, and our minds take time to work through
problems, to explore themselves and to rest. These
activities are essential for your health and well-being.
Most adults need about eight hours of sleep every day, but
each individual is different. Children and teens need more
sleep per night, and there is some evidence that as we
enter our senior years, the need for sleep decreases
somewhat.
What happens when we don't get enough sleep? Missing a bit
of sleep once in a while happens to everyone. Usually our
bodies and minds react to lack of sleep by feeling groggy,
foggy and just a bit slow. This interferes with daily
routines and diminishes the ability to function at one's
peak. It can also cause one's mood to be less positive.
If sleeplessness becomes chronic, the consequences become
more severe. Chronic loss of sleep over a period of time
will seriously diminish one's ability to perform work on
the job or at home. Sluggishness, forgetfulness, lack of
concentration, slower reaction times and general malaise
will begin to take over. This could result in accidents,
injuries and even behavior problems. Your enjoyment of life
will decrease and other's enjoyment of you will decrease
(because you will most likely be grouchy and lethargic).
Without enough sleep, your body cannot repair and replenish
itself, and your mind cannot take the time it needs from
the constant bombardment of the outside world to perform
the tasks that it must during sleep periods.
How can getting enough sleep help? Getting the correct
amount of sleep for you will allow you to operate at your
peak while doing all the things you do during the course of
your day. Working, learning, exercising and interacting
with others will be easier and your results will be better
if you've had plenty of sleep. You will be able to focus
and concentrate more effectively. With enough sleep your
mood will be elevated, so you will be happier and you'll be
able to take a more positive view of life, reacting in a
more positive and constructive way to all things.
How can you be sure you're getting enough sleep? In order
to make sure you're getting enough sleep, use these
guidelines:
Eight hours a night
Most adults need eight hours of sleep each night. You may
need a bit more or less. The way to gauge whether you are
getting enough sleep or not is by waking up naturally. You
can see what time you wake, compared to what time you went
to bed (fell asleep), and do that for a few days. You will
get an average amount of sleep you need from that. Make
sure you do this when you are having "normal" days and
evenings. If you are trying to do this over a holiday week
when you are out partying until 2 AM and falling into bed
with a belly full of beer, you won't have accurate sleep
times.
Wake later
If you find that you are not getting enough sleep, you will
need to adjust your bedtime or wake time accordingly.
Stay away from drugs
Falling asleep naturally is the best way to fall asleep.
Using drugs (prescription or recreational) or alcohol to
fall asleep is not healthy, and your body and mind will not
be able to do their "sleep work" as well. Prescription or
over the counter sleep aids should be used infrequently at
best and with the supervision of your doctor.
See a doctor if serious
If you are having serious sleep issues, see your doctor for
evaluation. Sleep can be disrupted by certain illnesses,
physical conditions, hormonal fluctuations, certain
medications, and stress.
Relaxation methods can help
Learn simple relaxation techniques for helping you to fall
asleep such as deep breathing or guided imagery.
Sleep is one of the basic elements of great health and
performing well in all aspects of life. Good, healthy sleep
will do wonders for your body, mind, and mood. The
importance of sleep cannot be stressed enough, so make sure
you are getting all that you need.
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Winsome Coutts special topics include: Personal
Development, Health and Wellness, Self Help and The Law of
Attraction. For some great tools and info go to her
website: http://www.4lifeselfhelp.com/
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