Sleep Challenges

Getting enough sleep is possibly the most important thing anyone can do for their health. In spite of this fact, most people do not get enough zzzz’s on a regular basis. According to the National Sleep Foundation, even when Americans get the recommended amount of sleep, they do not succeed in attaining a good night’s rest. When it comes to sleep, quality is just as important as quantity. Poor sleep quality correlates with poor health. When it comes to disrupted and delayed sleep, women are more susceptible than men. The Sleep Foundation has run the National Sleep Index since 1991, tracking how Americans sleep. There are many reasons why your sleep might be disrupted for long or short periods of time. Anything from stress, anxiety and depression to an overuse of technology before bed can result in chronic fatigue.

To address these issues and embrace high-quality sleep, some groups of people have challenged themselves to work smarter and not harder at this endeavor. Keep in mind if you are suffering from depression, physical pain or hormonal disruptions, you should consult with your physician.

However, if you are trying to reset some negative habits after a period of stress or disruption, there are some simple things you can do. This process might take a couple of weeks or months. Most organizations agree on the fundamental steps to sleep health. Consistency: Go to sleep at roughly the same time every night and wake up around the same time and try to sleep for the same number of hours each night. Everyone is a little different, but the healthy sleep range for most adults falls between seven to nine hours. Exercise: You won’t want to exercise at night, but definitely exercise every day. And lastly, create a good atmosphere. Keep your room dark, cool and free of electronic devices. This will help your body prepare for sleep. Try these things for a month and see how it goes.