Sleep It Off

The average person spends 26 years of life sleeping. But, it never feels like enough, does it?

So how much sleep is enough? Experts say healthy adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed. Despite that recommendation, the National Sleep Foundation estimates 70% of Americans fail to get the rest they need.

That’s a problem because a consistent lack of sleep can raise blood pressure in children and adults. Sleeping disorders also are linked to a host of heart-related issues, including weight gain, diabetes, plaque buildup and heart attacks. On the other hand, consistent, restful sleep can help lower your blood pressure and protect your heart.

Try these things to achieve sleep better:

• Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bed.
• Turn off TVs, phones and electronic devices at least 30 minutes before sleeping.
• Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and at a comfortable temperature.
• Include physical activities in your daytime routine and, for the most part, don’t indulge in long naps.

We hope you sleep well tonight and that you won’t feel like hitting the snooze button when your alarm goes off tomorrow. Sweet dreams!

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