Adequate rest is vital to weight loss, muscle repair, and stress control, but so few of us get as much as we need. That, or we think we're getting enough, but really aren't. Here at Land Rover Cary, we know how important sleep really is, so we've put together some information to help you figure out if you're really getting as much sleep as you need.
So, do you get enough sleep?
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
Many factors determine the amount of sleep one needs to maintain proper health. These factors include age, gender, and genetics. Although the standard "eight hours of sleep per night" has been preached for decades, the actual amount of sleep needed varies per person.
According to the National Sleep Institute, most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers require at least 8.5 hours, and toddlers and babies require even more (thank goodness). Keep in mind that these are averages, and that each person's needs are different. The Sleep Institute also notes that sleeping too much can negatively affect one's performance as much as too little sleep.
Getting the right quantity of sleep is not enough. One must also focus on quality. The following suggestions maximize sleep efficiency:
- Establish consistent sleep times. Those who go to bed and wake up at or near the same time every day have more energy. in other words, sleeping in on the weekends is tempting, but it might not be the best idea.
- Establish a pre-sleep routine. This might include a bath or shower, reading a book, listening to music, or something else, so long as it doesn't involve a backlit.
- The blue light present in TV and computer screens tricks your brain into thinking it's daytime. Be sure to power down these sorts of devices about an hour before you plan to hit the sack, and you should get to sleep more quickly.
- Finish eating a couple hours before bedtime and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Exercise daily, but don't do so right before going to bed. Instead, try to plan for your routine to end at least three hours before bedtime.
The Benefits of Proper Rest
The key to getting adequate rest is making sleep a priority, and nce you know the benefits, you'll be motivated to do so. Especially when you consider the fact that not getting enough sleep can lead to the following:
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents: Sleep deprivation can decrease your driving abilities to the point where they're nearly identical to driving drunk.
- Higher likelihood for obesity: The body must compensate for lack of energy, and it can do so by demanding more food.
- Increased risk for stress-related illnesses: Stress is a major cause of disease, and lack of sleep is a major cause of stress.
- Inability to remember things: If you find yourself rereading a page over and over because you can't remember how it started, it might be time for a nap.
But enough with the negatives of sleep deprivation. It's time for the benefits of adequate sleep:
- Sleep, along with exercise and eating right, is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and by far the easiest of the three to do.
- Adequate sleep helps with short term memory and the ability to concentrate.
- A good night's rest helps your mood.
- Sleep boosts the immune system, reduces stress, and increases energy.
Well, what are you waiting for? Go to bed!
