With busy days and responsibilities to fulfill, it often feels like the list of tasks is never ending. We go to work, commute home, some of us run kids around, complete chores, help with homework and the list goes on and on. Although we may enjoy our busy lives and all that comes with it, it is absolutely necessary that we allow ourselves to rest. When work tasks spill over into home life or chores get put off until later it is easy to wait until 9, 10, or 11pm to finish everything up. If you're anything like me, maybe you feel like you need to get everything done in order to go to sleep. Sometimes our culture can feel like a constant rat race, which is exactly the problem! Sleep is so essential for optimal function of our bodies and minds.
Let's take a look at why adequate sleep is so important:
- allows our brain to prepare for the next day, forming pathways to help us learn and remember (remember the night before a big test when we were told to get a good night's sleep?!)
- helps us in problem solving, behavioral/emotional control, and coping with change
- aids in the healing and repair of blood vessels (think heart health!)
- sleep deficiency is actually linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and even obesity
- maintains hormone balance, and in return, appetite
- keeps immune system strong (for fighting whatever is going around the office that week)
- important for healthy growth and development of children and adolescents
- improves productivity and efficiency of daily tasks
Maybe you noticed that last point is what got us in our lack-of-sleep situation to begin with! If we allow ourselves the good night's sleep we need, we will be more efficient at getting our tasks done, and able to get to sleep at a more reasonable hour the next night. Its a positive cycle!
How much sleep is enough??
The recommendations below come from the NIH:
| Age | Recommended Amount of Sleep |
|---|---|
| Newborns | 16–18 hours a day |
| Preschool-aged children | 11–12 hours a day |
| School-aged children | At least 10 hours a day |
| Teens | 9–10 hours a day |
| Adults (including the elderly) | 7–8 hours a day |
Tips for Getting Enough Sleep
Aside from just making time to get the sleep that you need, and allowing yourself adequate time to rest, the following info-graphic offers some ideas for a better night's sleep
Although, regarding number 10, I am pretty sure I still need to set an alarm clock to wake up at 4am to come see your lovely faces! Anyway, try some of these tips and make a conscious effort to get more sleep, and I know your body and mind will thank you for it! Goodnight : )
P.S. If you see Ellen (from RFK) today (9/16), make sure to wish her a Happy Birthday!
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