Give yourself the gift of sleep!

Do you wake up when your alarm goes off, or on your own? Do you usually feel rested and ready to go or sluggish and wishing you could sleep some more?

Sleep is the one activity almost everyone is running short on. In today’s world most people are sleep deprived. It could be a new baby or young children who cause sleep deprivation, or having to catch up on work, or watch movies or a favorite show at the end of the day. Often times it is simply as unglamorous as not going to bed on time because you got used to it.

Why does sleep matter?

Why should we get enough sleep? Here are a few good reasons:

• It keeps the immune system functioning perfectly (think of sleep as the time when the body undergoes a necessary maintenance routine)
• It helps keep your weight in check (sleep deprived people are often experiencing tiredness which they counteract with snacks)
• It helps you focus and improves your memory
• It keeps your mood sunny (yes, tired people are cranky, there’s no other way to put it)
• It keeps your reflexes sharp (which is why driving when tired is a bad idea)
• It helps you live longer and stay clear of chronic diseases such as cancer (melatonin, the sleep hormone, is an effective anti-cancer molecule)
• It makes you a better parent, partner and employee

How to get enough sleep and sleep well

According to Dr. William C. Dement, the leading world authority on sleep and sleep-related problems, there are a few things that will help you get more and better quality sleep, such as:

• Sleep only when sleepy
• Don’t exercise before bedtime
•  No caffeinated drinks or smoking before bedtime
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time

Try to make your bedroom a restful oasis. No electronic devices, such as cell phone, laptop or a TV screen should be in your bedroom. Not even an electronic alarm clock if possible.

Think of sleep as the best investment you can make in your health and your family health. If you have children, help them develop healthy sleeping habits from early on and you might just be spared those days of incessant whining and testing of your patience levels, especially if your lack of sleep matches theirs.

As for naps, think about it this way: If your body requires one and you have the possibility to do so, by all means do it. A cat nap of a few minutes will be the refresher you need to keep going until the day is done. Also, if you constantly need naps, that is a clear indication that you are sleep deprived. Fortunately, there is a solution and you have full access to it: Sleep!