Sleep Advice

Why Good Sleep Is Essential To Good Health

Sleep is necessary for our bodies to build up energy reserves and regenerate body cells and tissues. During sleep, your heartbeat and breathing slow, growth hormones peak, muscles relax, and your body temperature lowers. Sleep is a sophisticated process carefully regulated by our brain with valuable restorative properties for our physical and mental health.


People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one.

- Leo J. Burke


Facts About Sleep Positions You didn't Know

You should check out this video on sleep facts that will make you appreciate the importance of good sleep.


What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You

If you sleep on your side:

You're in the majority of the world's population. In fact, the Chinese believe that, sleeping on your right side with your left arm resting on your thigh is the ideal position for circulation. This position is recommended for people who snore because it allows for easy breathing.

If you sleep on your neck:

Hopefully you don't have problem snoring. People who snore are notorious back sleepers. However, this position is considered best for your complexion because your face isn't pressed against a pillow. If you are expecting back pain in this position, tuck a pillow under your knees for support.

If you sleep on your stomach:

Watch out for back pain. Because of lack of lumbar support, this is the toughest position for your back. It is important to chose a softer pillow with the right amount of fill to reduce. aching your back too severely in this position.

If you sleep curled in a ball:

Usually the reason people curl up tightly is to keep warm. However, Your back may suffer for it in the morning. If being cold is the issue, try a warmer blanket or pajamas, comforter, or flannel sheets.

If you sleep stretched out:

Obviously you like to move, so you must invest in a large enough bed so it doesn't become an issue with you and your bed partner. Moving your arms and legs and rolling from side to side are also good to prevent your joints from getting stiff.


WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH SLEEP

Short-term sleep deprivation usually causes little physical harm, since the body component for the lack of sleep by increasing its adrenaline levels during the day. A person may experience temporary feelings of pessimism or negativity. However, even short-term sleep deprivation can be dangerous if driving a car or operating machinery. Sleep deprivation is thought to cause half of all traffic fatalities. In fact, studies have shown that being forced to stay awake 17 to 19 hours can cause the same impaired abilities as having a 0.05 percent blood alcohol content.

Early to bed, Early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

- Benjamin Franklin


The Physical Consequences

Irregular sleep patterns and lack of sleep can bring on short attention span, memory and vocabulary loss, and other symptoms. Complication can include obesity, premature aging, fatigue and increase risk of diabetes, infection, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disease. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to paranoia or hallucinations.


HOW TO TELL IF YOU ARE GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP

Sleep comes easily. You rarely wake up during the night and can fall back asleep with ease. You wake up during the night and call fall back asleep with ease. You wake up at the same time each morning without an alarm. You feel alert during the day and seldom need to nap. Ask yourself: When you wake up, do you feel refreshed or is your body longing for more sleep? Do you rely a lot on coffee to get through the day?