Get your Zzzzzzz's

Are you getting enough sleep? I know I'd like to.

Some of us get enough sleep, though more of us aren't.  That’s an obvious statement, wouldn’t you say?  It’s difficult to get the recommended 7 to 8 hours (for adults) of sleep a night that specialists tell us we need.  I know this, and I know it well.  I fall into the category of working long hours.  So whether it’s being a work-a-holic, taking care of the kids, or just being overly busy, we all at one point or another experience lack of sleep. 

Thing is…..we each need to do something about it.  Eating healthy and exercising is just not enough to keep us going.  Here are a few reasons why getting more than 5 hours of sleep is a good idea.

Reduces stress. 

Boosts your concentration

Keeps your immune system strong

Keeps off unwanted weight

Prevents you from being Mr. or Ms. Cranky Pants

Keeps a healthy heart

In addition to the few examples of listed above that can affect sleep, here are a few others;

Alcohol

Diet

Caffeine

Jet lag

Stress

Substance abuse

Exercising late at night

Light and temperature

With a little planning and rearranging of your schedule, you can get those 7 to 8 hours of sleep you need.  Start with small changes, even if it's 30 minutes, and see how that effects your week.  Once you see and feel the difference it makes, you’ll make it a habit to get those recommended hours.  

We all know... no one likes a Mr. or Mrs. Cranky Pants.