Sleep Matters

We have 24hrs in a day. Using all 24 hours daily to build wealth has been my goal. The reality is, it is not healthy for me and it is not healthy for you.  We need our rest.  

Sleep matters, but it’s often hard to get enough of it. The average adult should be getting up to 9 hours of sleep each night, but frequently only manages 7.  If you are getting less than 8-9 hours of sleep, you are causing your body more harm than good.
“Good sleep is important on so many levels,” stresses Hoy Garvin, Director of Network Sleep Services.
So how much sleep is enough? Here is the ideal amount for various age groups.

•  Adults: 7.5-9 hours
• Teenagers: 8-10 hours
• Children, ages 6-12: 9-12 hours
• Children, ages 3-5: 10-13 hours
• Children, ages 1-2: 11-14 hours

What prevents you from getting quality sleep

A number of external factors can inhibit our ability to get enough rest. Pressure to work late into the evening can lead to a sacrifice of sleep, and the artificial light from computers and cell phones only compounds the problem.
Oftentimes internal factors are at play. “There are also several medical sleep disorders which we treat in the clinic that prevent us from sleeping as we should,” explains Garvin, including insomnia and sleep apnea. These conditions, if untreated, can lead to long-term health consequences.  “Medically speaking poor sleep can increase our risks for stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease and atrial fibrillation.”

How to improve your sleep

Getting enough sleep increases your cognition, restores energy and encourages productivity. While you can’t always control outside factors that affect sleep, it’s easy to improve your sleep, in other words, your ability to get a good night’s rest. Cutting out sources of natural or artificial light, like TVs or computers, can go a long way toward preparing your body to rest. Also, removing pets and silencing your cellphone will ensure your sleep goes uninterrupted.
If you suspect you’re living with a sleep disorder, Community’s sleep centers offer both at-home and overnight sleep study options.  Rest well and live well, guys.