Get in Your Eight Hours of Sleep!
By Donna Stark
Healthy diet? Check. Daily workout? Check. Sunscreen and supplements? Check and check. It seems like you are doing everything right for your body and for your overall wellness, but are you remembering to prioritize one of the most vital components to optimal health and well-being? How are your energy levels? Or does it make you too tired to think about how tired you really are? Obviously, quality rest is important, but so many people are under the illusion that they can catch up on all their missed sleep "later on." It's a mistake made by many, and unfortunately, it's a mistake that can cause great harm.
Get in Your Eight Hours!
If your consumption of coffee and energy drinks has become the standard of operation to live by, you may not be getting enough sleep. If you find that you are suddenly fighting one illness after the next, again, you may not be getting enough sleep. It doesn't matter if you are eating a healthy diet, working out every day, and applying that sunscreen, if you aren't getting the required amount of shut-eye that your body needs every night, you can count on significant health issues down the road. Let's take a look at why sleep is so beneficial.
- Prevents weight gain and weight-related chronic diseases
- Enhances athletic performance, allows the body to recover after a workout
- Protects and boosts your immune system
- Improves cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration, alertness, and good judgment
- Controls mood swings
- Reduces stress and anxiety, increases patience
- Supports growth hormones and respiratory functions
- Maintains healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular health
- Reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression, and other chronic diseases
Dying For a Good Night of Rest
Sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your body and lead to a host of medical issues and chronic diseases that can potentially steal precious years from your life. We already don't have enough time in our lives as it is, so protect the time you are given by taking care of your body with quality sleep. Here are some simple tips on how to get the rest you need.
- Invest in a good mattress and supportive pillows
- Darken your room and turn down the temperature at night
- Turn off all electronic devices at least an hour before you hit the sack
- Avoid eating or drinking caffeinated beverages before bed
- Block out disruptive sounds with a white-noise machine
- Establish a set bedtime routine
Hit the Sheets!
It's time to hit the sheets for a healthier life so put sleep on the top of your priority list today! When paired with a nutritious diet and your love for fitness, you are sure to experience a boost in your overall health and well-being!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Marcos, Calif.