IS SLEEP REALLY ALL THAT IMPORTANT?

Many people struggle with getting a full night of sleep, often feeling sluggish and tired throughout the day. Even in spite of being tired, most people find sleep eludes them. So how important is sleep, anyway? Is it really a big deal if you don't get a full 7-8 hours every night?

Let's take a look at how lack of sleep affects us. The average person will try to sleep anywhere from 5-9 hours at night. Most people actually average 6-7 hours or less. Whether your lack of sleep is due to an old mattress that just isn't comfortable, chronic pain issues, or even a spouse that snores loudly and keeps you awake, not sleeping enough can have adverse effects on your health. It can affect your mood, your energy levels, and your weight. Why Do We Need Sleep? | Sleep Foundation

Sleep is also involved in your body's ability to repair itself. Sleep deficiency has been linked to problems with diabetes, heart disease, and brain function. In search of sleep - Harvard Health

So how do we get more sleep? A good way to start is turn off the electronic devices at least an hour before you go to bed. Our bodies produce less melatonin as we age. This may be due in part to our use of electronic devices. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in your brain which helps your body relax and helps control your sleep cycles, and the blue light emitted by electronic devices robs us of this vital sleep hormone. Another way to help your body and mind wind down to prepare for sleep is to have a bedtime routine. Having a bedroom conducive to good sleep is also important. Preparing Your Bedroom for a Great Night's Sleep

Good sleep hygiene is vital to our health and wellness!