...is the stuff of dreams. I've been an insomniac for years now, thanks to Rheumatoid Arthritis. There are times I enjoy better sleep than other times, but for the most part, I'm always searching for helpful tips to help me get the sleep I need. I'd like to give you a head's up concerning the importance of sleep.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. But for many busy Americans, that is the stuff of dreams for sure! The NSF's 2008 Sleep in America poll reveals that workers today average only 6 hours and 40 minutes of sleep each night!
The precise amount of sleep necessary to lead an enjoyable and productive life varies from person to person and changes with age. Regardless of age, one thing remains the same: Not getting enough sleep can have serious consequences.
Studies show that well-rested people learn tasks and perform memory and creative problem-solving exercises better than those who are deprived of sleep, even by just a few ours. A lack of sleep also slows reaction time considerably. Concentrating and paying attention are more difficult, and certain tasks - driving in particular - can even become dangerous.
Insufficient sleep increases your chance of strokes, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, diabetes and congestive heart failure. Sleep is also a powerful regulator of hormones. It triggers those that help build muscle mass, repair cells and tissue, and encourage fertility. Lack of sleep has also been tied to an increased appetite, putting the chronically sleep-deprived at greater risk of obesity! If you frequently experience problems falling asleep, contact your doctor to discuss possible remedies. Personally, I'd like to suggest that you go to GO*OGLE for some natural helps in creating a sleep cycle.
13 comments:
As someone who's also gone through bouts of insomnia, I sympathize!!
It's interesting how different people need different amounts of sleep. My husband routinely gets that average (6 hours, 40 minutes) and functions just fine -- not even feeling sleepy. I really can't function without at least 8, preferably 9. I tried for a couple years and got quite sick. :)
I would love to be an early-riser, but I have to choose between staying up with my husband or getting up with him! I prefer the previous since he's just getting up to go to work in the morning, anyway. :)
Anyway, interesting post!
oh Pam....this is something I have fought for almost 30 years...and it seems like it is getting worse...it requires me to take naps..but those can be lonely hours in the middle of the night..I am up and down...from one place to another...I don't fight it anymore, I just sleep when I can...if it takes it's toll, I figure at this point oh well..the Lord numbers our days, I would never wish this on ANYONE
Having read that, I feel the need to go to bed!
So agree. Sleep is soo important.
I need 8 hours of sleep a night.
I just need lots of sleep or seem to get tired/exhausted easily.
Hope you are able to find ways that you can sleep better.
P.S. I have finally posted...so come by my site when you get a chance.
Lori
I've noticed you've been going to bed early for the past few days.Maybe Google did that. =)
This is very true. When I started getting my 8 hours of sleep, I literally lost 12 pounds. I didn't make any drastic changes in my diet and I definitely did not start working out. (sweat=yuck) It had to be the better sleep that did it. I think lack of sleep messes with our metabolism, and I think we also unconsciously eat more in an attempt to compensate for low energy!!
Oh dear...my mom can sympathise - she's a terrible sleeper. I think by now she's probably up to a 10 year sleep deficit.
I, on the other hand, sleep 9+ hours a night, even on prednisone! According to all those studies, I'm going to (God willing) live to be 107 years old.
I'm a good sleeper and early to bed and early to riser. Obviously having caffeine after early afternoon is a no, no. I also think if you're going to eat sweets and sugar, it should be early in the day and never after about 2 pm. This is because it raises blood sugar and insulin levels too much. Ditto muffins and other etc. Good sleep is a gift from God, IMO, Pam.
Pam we need a blogger site for all the non-sleepers.I have the hardest time going to sleep and then staying asleep.I have had this for so long. Without taking something I do not sleep.Thanks for blogging
when I can't sleep that's what I do.
First time to visit your blog.Your post is just like
it was written for me.
Always fun to meet a new friend.
Please stop by for a visit.
Vikki
All my life up until a few years ago, all I had to do was let my head hit the pillow and I was asleep. Then I had back surgery, then gout, and on and on. Most nights I can still sleep but when I don't I did feel guilty if I took a nap during the day. One day my husband told me you sleep when you can it is not like you have little kids that you still have to be up with. So bless his heart, he gave me the answer and now I sleep when I need to. Day or night. But I am sleepy now so I am off to bed. Thank you for the post. Sleep good and happy dreams. connie
well, let's see...is that 6 -8 hours all at once?? as in consecutively? I do THAT about once a week. usually it's 4 hours here, 3 hours there....
been thinking about getting a prescription for a sleeping pill actually because the chronic insomnia I've had for darn near all my life plus working nights but living days (on nights off) really isn't doing much for me. It's gotten to where I fall asleep if I sit still at home. Even in the most uncomfortable chair we own!!
I am in bed for at least 8 hours most nights now but hardly sleep for half that time. I toss and turn non-stop thoughout the night. I don't know what my problem is but it's getting old! I may have to google some natural help!!!!
The worst thing for me and my psyche is when I can´t sleep. I get so crabby and can be a real b*tch... :)
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