And if tonight my soul may find her peace
in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,
and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower
then I have been dipped again in God, and new-created.
~D.H. Lawrence
If you need reasons as to why sleep is good for you, here are four of them from Fitness:
Sleep makes you ….HEALTHY
Sleep makes you …SMARTER
Sleep makes you ….SLIM
Recent research reveals “a very close relationship between insufficient sleep and the inability to lose or stabilize weight,” says Dr. Emsellem. A likely reason: Sleep debt interferes with the function of hormones that regulate how efficiently the body burns fat.
Sleep makes you ….COORDINATED
Harvard scientists have found that after trying a new motor task – playing a piano minuet, doing an aerobics routine – a good night’s rest solidifies what you’ve learned, making it easier and more automatic the next day. “Studies show that your brain replays the same sequences during the night,” explains Dr. Emsellem. “The next day, you just know the moves – it’s no longer a conscious act.”
- Go to bed at a regular bedtime every night.
-
Wake up at the same time each day, including weekends, even if you haven’t slept well.
-
Get regular exercise.
-
Set aside time for problem solving earlier in the day so that you don’t carry anxious thoughts to bed
-
Keep a notepad by your bed to write down any thoughts or worries that may keep you up or wake you up during the night.
-
Reserve the bed for sleep and sex.
-
Try something relaxing before bedtime. Take a warm bath. Play a quiet game, or read a book.
- Don’t have any caffeine for at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
- Don’t drink alcohol late in the evening. You may fall asleep with no problems, but drinking alcohol before bed can wake you up later in the night.
- Don’t have a heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Don’t go to bed thirsty. But don’t drink so much water that you have to get up often to urinate during the night.
- Don’t exercise within 3 to 4 hours of bedtime, the activity can make it hard to get to sleep.
- Don’t watch TV in bed.
- Don’t smoke, especially near bedtime and if you wake up during the night. Nicotine is a stimulant, which can keep you awake.
Try this simple technique to fall asleep faster
Wishing you a good rest and wonderful dreams!
May you be inspired – everyday!
Tomorrow is World Sleep Day. The World Sleep Day (19th March 2010) declaration is as follows:
Whereas, sleepiness and sleeplessness constitute a global epidemic that threatens health and quality of life,
Whereas, much can be done to prevent and treat sleepiness and sleeplessness,
Whereas, professional and public awareness are the firsts steps to action,
We hereby DECLARE that the disorders of sleep are preventable and treatable medical conditions in every country of the world.
Pic courtesy Microsoft
Do’s & Don’ts based on Yahoo article
