The time flies fast and we are getting old day by day. However, we have to live every day in full speed and attain more in our lives. We are not able to do that without getting some sleep.Sleeping is very important for every vital function of your body and mind.The amount and quality of sleep we get determine how well we will do through the day and how productive we will be.
More than a third of the population is not getting enough sleep. It’s not healthy to be drained and fatigued throughout the day, craving caffeinated beverages and sugar rushes, but it’s certainly way too common. Unfortunately, fatigue has been accepted as a part of western life.
50 to 70 million Americans are affected by chronic sleep disorders. According to the National Institutes of Health, untreated sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, depression, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
In a report by the Institute of Medicine titled, Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem, hundreds of billions of dollars are spent a year on medical costs related to sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders have a negative effect on work productivity, behavior and relationships. Furthermore, drowsy driving claims more than 1,500 lives and causes at least 100,000 motor vehicle crashes each year. Sleep deprivation is a deadly problem in America but it keeps getting swept under the rug.
There is one question that worries us when it comes to sleeping, and that is: How many hours I need to sleep if I am XX old.
The answer is different for everyone. Someone sleeps 4 hours a night and still can accomplish the tasks through the day successfully.
According to one article, successful people need at least 6 hours of sleep to function 100%.
How much do you sleep?
This is an infographic that has been revealed by the National Institute of Sleep. It shows how much sleep do we really need. Remember that this is the total sleep you get during a 24-hour period. If you took a 30-minute nap, that counts, too!
How much do you need to sleep by age
Look at the infographic and see if you are getting enough or less sleep.Did this show that you are sleep deficient?
The most common symptoms in sleep deficient people:
- Not as productive during the day
- Overweight or gaining weight
- Caffeine is needed to live through the day
- Sleepy when driving
Here is another question, how to prepare yourself for a good nights sleep The best thing is to read a book before going to bed. That is what you need. Other things that you can do are:
- Stay within your schedule
- Develop a bedtime routine
- Exercise every day
- Make sure your mattress and pillow suits you
- Turn off the TV
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine before bedtime