Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
We spend about one-third of our lives asleep. This may sound like a lot of time, but it is not wasted.
Our bodies need sleep to stay healthy.
The immune system protects the body from diseases and infections. Not getting enough sleep hurts this protective system.
To stay in good health, some experts say that adults should get seven to eight hours of sleep. Teenagers need nine to 10 hours. And school-aged children may need more than 10 hours of sleep a night.
Experts say the quality and quantity of our sleep becomes poor as we age. This happens because brain circuits that control sleep slowly begin to weaken.
The website Health.com lists several signs that may mean you are not getting enough sleep.
You’re always hungry or you’ve gained weight. A lack of sleep can affect the hormones that tell your brain you have eaten enough.
You have trouble making decisions. A lack of sleep may affect your higher level brain functions, such as problem solving.
You have trouble remembering things. Sleep helps prepare the brain for new memories.
You feel very emotional.
Your skin doesn’t look good. When we sleep, the body repairs damaged cells, like skin cells.
You are having trouble seeing. When you’re tired you may not be able to control your eye muscles.
There are things people can do to get better sleep.
Health experts recommend exercise and avoiding work on computers and electronic devices before bed. A cool room is also a better environment for sleeping.
