Sleep Health Is Important

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is important to your overall health and well-being. Easier said than done right? Most adults need around seven hours sleep per night, but if you are below that number you will want to keep reading.

Sleep health has a number of benefits you might not have thought of, including:

• Improved memory- sleep helps your brain prepare for the next day. A Harvard study suggested that dreaming improves memory.
• Reduced inflammation- sleep duration is associated with changes in levels of cytokines that are important in regulating inflammation. Read more
• Greater creativity- REM sleep is critical to creative thinking. A  recent study on REM sleep helps the brain connect unrelated ideas, which turns into creative thinking.
• Allows for better weight control- lack of sleep sets your brain up for making poor decision during the day. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that when people were starved of sleep, late-night snacking increased, and they were more likely to choose high-carb snacks.
• Increased sexual desire - According to a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, up to 26% of people say that their sex lives tend to suffer because they're just too tired.

What Can You Do On Your Own?

• Try to develop a sleep schedule
• Limit food intake prior to going to bed
• Limit mid-day naps
• Reduce noise and light in your bedroom
• Stop looking at the clock during the night
• Nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can add to sleep issues
• Get daily exercise

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