To a lot of us sleeping seems like a waste of time, especially when we have tasks from the day left unfinished. Not to mention stressing over…AM I GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP??????? That’s the worst, laying in bed worrying about not being able to sleep and all the things you know you have to do the following day. Ugh!!!!

It’s really no joke, this country is sleep deprived. Leaving us all with a greater risk of depression, heart disease, cancer, impaired memory, weight gain and basic moodiness. We are even more likely to have an accident when we don’t get enough shut-eye.

Tips to help you get enough rest:

1. Set your body’s internal clock. This can be done by going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday.
2. Say no to late-night television. The light from the TV suppresses melatonin and the programing can be stimulating instead of relaxing.
3. Get up and do something. If you feel drowsy after dinner try doing laundry or some other mild activity. Do not lay down on the sofa.
4. Exercise! Keeping with a regular exercise routine like HOTWORX, is a definite way to help you get some sleep.

So, what’s the magic number? According to the healthfinder.gov website the amount of time needed to keep your body and mind healthy is listed below.
Adults need 7-9 hours,
Teens need 8-10 hours,
School- aged children need 9-12 hours
Preschoolers need 10-13 hours (naps included)
Toddlers need 11-14 hours (naps included)
Babies need 12-16 hours (naps included)

Written by Alison Pitre, Marketing Director