Sleep
And its Effects on You
Introduction
Sleep is vital to how we feel, we can feel tired if we don't get enough sleep or we can feel energetic if we do. But sleep can contribute to many other health problems as well, not just that tired feeling when you first get out of bed.
Sleep and Your Heart
Sleep can have an impact on your heart regardless of your health habits. A study found that adults who slept fewer than 6 hours a night were at a greater risk of having a heart attack of a stroke.
Sleep and Diabetes
Scientist say that there is a link between diabetes and sleep. People who get less sleep (5 hours or less) are less sensitive to insulin, making it harder for your body to regulate sugar levels which can aid wait gain and/or diabetes.
Sleep and Depression/Anxiety
Overtime lack of sleep can contribute to symptoms of depression or anxiety. In a 2005 Sleep in America poll, people who were diagnosed with depression or anxiety were more likely to sleep less than six hours at night.
Tips to Improve Your Sleep
Set your internal clock, going to bed and waking at the same time will improve your sleep because that's when your body will be used to sleeping.
Avoid caffeine and Alcoholic beverages before bedtime, these beverages will keep you awake in bed during the night because they will make you feel awake.
Exercise and take naps early in the day, these activities will make you feel less tired if you do them in the evening or toward your bedtime.