Are You Getting Enough ZZZ's?

No one can survive without sleep. Surprisingly, a person can live for a very long time with sleep deprivation. Although the quality of your awake time will certainly be less desirable when your body and mind have been cheated of rest. Having a surplus of awake time is not a PLUS when you are not functioning at your very best. Each person needs to figure out how many hours of sleep are needed to balance out their awake time. An average of required sleep is 7 to 8 hours. A rare individual may need only 5 hours of sleep. Other people fit into the 9 to 10 hour range.

Things You Can Do to Get Enough ZZZ's

Having set bedtimes and times to rise are helpful. This means going to bed and rising at the same time everyday, even on your day off. Power naps can be rejuvenating whenever you are feeling a need for a mid-afternoon energy perk. It is okay to allow yourself an extra dose of sleep from time to time, just don't go overboard. Too much sleep, same as sleep deprivation, can be problematic to your overall well-being. Some people need help in learning how to turning off their personal problems or work worries before slipping under the covers. Also, evaluating how you spend your waking hours can offer clues as to why you are having sleeping issues. Are you getting enough exercise, eating right, and limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption? Is your bedroom a restful space? A cluttered bedroom and a snoring bed-mate are a couple of hindrances to a restful slumber.

Help for the Insomniac

If you have trouble falling to sleep at night, rather than counting sheep try reciting Gratitude ABC's for Insomniacs. There are also other things you can do during the day to assure a good night's sleep.

If you are experiencing chronic insomnia or feel tired during the day no matter how much you sleep at night, remember you can and probably should consult a health care provider. There is professional help available in diagnosing, managing and resolving sleep disorders.

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