According to the National Sleep Foundation, 43% of Americans between the ages of 13 and 64 say they “rarely or never get a good night’s sleep on weeknights.” Are you a part of this statistic?
We all know that sleep is important. So important that there is an entire week dedicated to it! Who doesn’t love that? March 5 – 11 marks National Sleep Awareness Week. Don’t think that you can call off work and stay in bed, but there are plenty of other ways you can take part in this sleep week:
- Change your sleep habits for yourself and your health.
The National Sleep Foundation suggests that a healthy adult needs between seven and nine hours of sleep per day. Additionally, children need between 10-11 hours of sleep.- Hit the sack when springing your clocks forward.
The week ends with the clock change to Daylight Saving Time when many of us turn our clock one hour ahead. Many people are springing their clocks forward and are losing that extra hour of sleep. This day could be a cause of insufficient sleep. Regain that extra hour of sleep by hitting the sack one hour earlier.- You deserve your beauty sleep.
Some people pride themselves over their lack of sleep. It is important to realize how a lack of sleep can negatively affect your day-to-day activities. Research shows that sleep is an essential key to a healthy lifestyle. Sleeping the recommended hours can benefits your weight, heart, appearance, and mind.- Be in the know about your Zzzzs.
Just because you’re sleeping 8 hours a day, doesn’t make you a sleep expert. Test your sleep I.Q. by taking this interactive sleep quiz from the National Center for Sleep Disorders. See what you didn’t already know about sleep.
Now that you’ve read up on National Sleep Awareness Week, you can take your newfound knowledge and put it to good use! What goals are you making for yourself to keep your mind and body healthy?