We all know how important it is to get enough sleep. Our body keeps the score and tells us we aren’t getting enough sleep when we feel tired and sleepy, get dull headaches and become cranky. There are far more grave issues occurring that we may also ignore. Adults should sleep between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Having trouble sleeping? Practice the sleep foundations sleep hygiene protocol.
- Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day
- Sleep in a room that is free from light and noise
- Avoid looking at screens before sleep
- Skip alcohol and caffeine in the hours before bed
- Exercise regularly
What happens when we sleep?
- Cellular metabolism
- Cellular regeneration
- Memory consolidation
- Improved immune system
My husband asked me why I read endless articles on sleep, when I already know why we need it. Yes, it is true! And for over a decade, I reported in the Being InSpirit Newsletter at least twice per year the importance of sleep. If at first you don’t succeed TRY, TRY AGAIN.
So, here we go! Find a way to get the optimum 7-9 hours of sleep per night! This time I will cite Medscape from April 25, 2017: Even Mildly Insufficient Sleep Associated With Increased Risk for Depression, Anxiety Symptoms. The data collected for this study was presented to the American Academy of Neurology 2017 Annual Meeting by Dr. Kelly L. Sullivan, Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. It is impressive data verifying even a small incremental loss of sleep can affect mood and create other challenging mental health issues.
Dr. Sullivan claims, “getting just one hour less than the optimum sleep duration was associated with 60% to 80% increased odds of each of these symptoms.” The research team however found “each hour of increased sleep over the optimal number was associated with increased odds for each adverse mood outcome.” That means dear ones, that sleep is the true elixir of life. The magic hours are 7-9 hours per night. Too little or too much create a perfect petri dish for depression and anxiety to develop.
Important physiological and psychological work occurs while you are sleeping. For example: memory consolidation and body restoration where proteins rebuild and hormones are released. Get enough!