The Importance of Sleep: And how it plays a role in your physical health

Let’s face it, in today’s society you are considered lazy, unmotivated, or a slacker if you choose to sleep rather than clean, work, do laundry, etc. But you are falling into society’s beliefs at the risk of your own health! Sleep splays a vital role in your physical health.Getting enough sleep at night can help protect your mental and physical health, quality of life, and your safety. Your sleep patterns depict how you feel during your waking hours because this is the time your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain physical health.Healthy Brain Function: While you sleep your brain is working to prepare for the next day and it is forming pathways to help you learn and remember information.Emotional Well-Being: Sleep deprivation has been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behaviors. You may feel angry, have mood swings, or lack motivation.Physical Health: Sleep helps heal and repair your heart and blood vessels. Sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Sleep deficiency also increases risk of obesity, affects how your body reacts to insulin, and weakens the immune system.Daytime Performance: Getting enough sleep helps you to function throughout the day. Losing hours of sleep at a time lowers your ability to function.So how much sleep do you need?Newborns: 16-18 hoursPreschool-aged children: 11-12 hoursSchool-aged children: At least 10 hoursTeens: 9-10 hoursAdults: 7-8 hoursHow to sleep better

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
• Try to keep the same sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends
• Use the hour before bed for quiet time
• Avoid heavy and/or large meals within a couple hours of bedtime. Also avoid alcoholic drinks before bed.
• Avoid nicotine and caffeine stimulants
• Spend time outside every day
• Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark
• Take a hot bath or use relaxation techniques before bed

 Bedroom Source: Simply French Market