Self-Care – Sleep

Possible health consequences of getting too little or poor sleep can involve the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.

As we all know it can also affect daily function. Did you know that lack of sleep can affect your weight? Affect your blood pressure, balance (in older adults), and with prolonged insufficient sleep, lead to depression and anxiety.

How much sleep is need? The consensus is: Adults- 7-9 hours; Teens- 8-10 hours; and, School age children 9-11 hours.

What to do for better sleep?

1. Pay attention to your body’s cues
2. Keep a sleep diary
3. Take a Sleep Vacation- pick a consistent bedtime and sleep until you wake up. Do this over a period of days to establish a pattern.

Listen to your body.

Sources:

http://health.usnews.com/rss/healthnews

http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/need-sleep/what-you-an-do/assess-need

http://www.better-sleep-better-life.com/benefits-of-sleep.html

http://sleepfoundation.org/media-center/press-release/national-sleep-foundation-recommends-new-sleep-times