Sleep – what is your lucky number?
Do you know what impact lack of sleep has on you and how many hours your body requires?
One of the best ways to determine how much sleep you need is to go to sleep until you wake up on your own.
If you feel rested when you wake up, then you have found your lucky number.
According to most experts, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep to function their best.
However, a 2008 Sleep in America Poll by the National Sleep Foundation, found that the average adult only sleeps about six hours and 40 minutes a night during a work week.
Lack of sleep can affect your mood, memory, metabolism and ability to learn.
This is due to the body not being able to stabilise hormones and metabolism.
The National Sleep Foundation offers the following tips to improve sleep patterns:
Go to bed at about the same time every night.
Create a relaxing environment.
Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.
Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before bed.
Do not exercise right before bed.
Make time for sleep.
Information supplied by Curves.
