Is_8218973_sleep

Sleep

What’s the connection between sleep and wellness?

Experience teaches us that a good night’s sleep is the best way to begin each day. Just one night without enough sleep and we suffer the consequences—drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and feeling slow and uncoordinated. If we deprive ourselves of sleep for several nights, whether through insomnia or intentional activity, such as work or studying—then we may develop serious mood swings, hallucinations, extreme drowsiness and impaired brain and motor function.

Too much sleep may make us lethargic and groggy. People who try to make up their weekday sleep shortage by oversleeping on the weekends often find themselves too tired to function.

It’s a fact that sleep habits influence our health. Taking steps every day to ensure we get a good night’s sleep is key to our well-being.

TIPS

Catching Up on Sleep

If the demands of work or school have caused you to fall behind in your sleeping, then use this energizing tip:

For one week, sleep just a little more than what you think your daily requirement is. You’ll be surprised at how much better you will feel!

What happens to your body during sleep?

After a full day, your body needs to take a break. When you sleep, your body rests and restores its energy. During sleep, your breathing slows down, your muscles relax, body temperature drops, and blood pressure decreases. For your body, it is time to rest, however, your brain will remain quite active.

A good night's sleep is often the best way to help you cope with stress, solve problems, or recover from illness. Although the conscious mind shuts down during sleep, the nerve cells in the brain are busily working.

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