What Is Sleep?
What Are Dreams?
What Is Sleep?
A condition of body and mind which typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is relatively inactive, eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended.
What Are Dreams?
Dreams are images and Imagery, thoughts, sounds, and voices. There are also subjective sensations experienced with sleep. Most people think that dreams are some thing they have experienced before.
How Much Sleep Should You Be Getting Each Night?
Newborn to 2 months old: 12-18 hours
3 months old to 1 year old: 14-15 hours
1 year old to 3 years old: 12-14 hours
3 years old to 5 years old: 10-11 hours
5 years old to 12 years old: 10-11 hours
12 years old to 18 years old: 8.5-10 hours
Adults 18 and up: 7.5-9 hours
Sleep Disorders And Trouble Sleeping
Just a little loss of sleep can control your mood, energy, efficiency, and stress levels. You probably did not know this but you could have a sleep disorder if you are someone that has troubles sleeping at night. Some Troubles with sleeping could be from medications, working late shifts, work getting in the way of your sleep time. and travel. Not getting a good rest at night could also lead to poor health, weight gain, accidents, and bad job performances. Some tips on making sure you get a good rest every night are... pick a time to go to bed and go to bed at that same time everyday then, pick a time to wake up and wake up at that same time everyday. Make sure that you follow that same routine everyday. Also you can mark down any symptoms or patterns if you notice them. You should always wake up healthy and feeling your best.
Relaxing Tips Before Bed
Some other ways to help you get relaxed and ready for bed... 15 minutes before bed stretch gently, 15 minutes before bed read a book because reading a book could get you drowsy or tired, try to keep your room clean and quiet, 5 minutes before bed listen to some soft music to get you relaxed and ready for bed, and 1 hour before bed turn off all electronics.
Bedtime Snacks
If you decide to have a bedtime snack before bed then keep it small and healthy. Some snacks you could try before bed could be... banana and peanut butter, apple and almond butter, and a small cheese and avocado quesadilla, etc.
Napping
Always be very smart about napping because if you nap to long you could have troubles sleeping at night. Also be smart about what time you are napping. make sure that if you do nap you know that you may have troubles sleeping later on.
Sleeping In And Waking Up
Like I said earlier make sure you are going to bed and waking up everyday at the same time even on the weekends. Try to avoid any sleeping in on the weekends or any day because then you will want to sleep in all the time. If you get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom or get a drink of water try not to turn on any bright lights because the brightness of the light could wake you up.
Citations
1. https://www.sleepassociation.org/patients-general-public/what-is-sleep/
2. https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/dream-and-sleep
3. http://www.wikihow.com/Fall-Asleep
4. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/how-to-sleep-better.htm
5. p/how-much-sleep-do-you-need.htm
6. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-sleeping-problems.htm
7. http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/what-are-dreams.htm