How much sleep is enough

How much sleep do you get?

Do you get 7-9 hours sleep most nights?

Do you get under 6 hours sleep most nights?

If you’re 18-60 years old, experts say you need at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

Getting enough sleep boosts your immune system so you’re less likely to get sick and will bounce back faster if you do.

Chronic lack of sleep depresses your immune system, and ups your risk for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and depression.

In a 16 year study of female nurses, women who got 5 hours of sleep or less were 15% more likely to become obese.

Because memories are consolidated while dreaming and during deep sleep, resting long enough to move fully through those sleep stages may improve your memory.

Get ready to be foggy- memories are not easily stored and linked to the brain when you’re sleep deprived.

Your ability to learn new things drops by 40 % when you don’t get enough sleep.

When your mind and body get regular, high quality sleep, your mood and sense of well-being improves.

If you’re chronically sleep deprived, get ready to be stressed, irritable and short-tempered. You might also become anxious and depressed.

Your ability to pay attention, solve problems and be creative is directly tied to a good night’s sleep.

Chronic lack of sleep increases mistakes and reduces performance speed on tasks. You’re also more less resistant to change and unable to control your emotions.

Sleeping only 6 hours a night for two full weeks is equal to pulling two all-nighters in a row.

Getting adequate rest is key to remaining alert and responsive on the road.

Even one night of bad sleep can slow you reflexes and attention span, putting you and others in danger on the road.

You’re as less likely to crash while driving on less than 5 hours of sleep as if you are driving over the legal alcohol limit.

A good night sleep can increase your sex drive and make it more likely you’ll have sex.

Being tired and cranky puts a damper on your libido, as well as that of your partner.

Every extra hour college students in romantic relationships slept corresponded to greater sexual desire, increased vaginal lubrication and a 14% rise in the chance of having sex the next day.

You could be well-rested, happier ready to work creatively, with an improved memory and having much better sex.

You could be overweight, dull, unfocused, forgetful and wondering why you haven’t had sex in a while.

If you don’t get enough sleep, here are 5 steps to get back on track:

  • Exercise regularly; vigorous is best
  • Avoid heavy meals, cigarettes and alcohol in the evening
  • Establish a soothing bedtime ritual with time to unwind
  • Go to bed and get up at the same time, even on weekends
  • Keep your room cool, dim and noise-free
Tags: