Are You Getting Enough Sleep to Stay Healthy?

Eat right. Exercise daily. Get enough sleep. Health professionals agree that these 3 activities are the keys to health and longevity. During the sleep cycle, our bodies reenergize and repair themselves. For many of us, however, sleep is not viewed as a priority. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that insufficient sleep is now a public health epidemic. Here are some facts you need to know about the importance of sleep.

• Your body works hard while you are sleeping.
• heals and repairs your heart and blood vessels
• maintains a balance of the hormones that make you feel hungry and full
• triggers the release of the hormone that promotes growth in children and teens
• supports the metabolism of sugar to prevent diabetes
• keeps your immune system functioning properly
• enhances your performance at school and work

How does inadequate sleep affect your body?

• Negatively alters your mood and behavior (which can affect relationships with family, friends, and coworkers)
• Increases your chances of mistakes/accidents
• Increases your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and obesity

How much sleep do you need daily?
How much sleep you need depends on your age. Many people think that they can substitute coffee or energy drinks for sleep, but this is simply not true. There is no healthy replacement for sleep. Use the following table to see if you and your family are getting enough sleep.

• Newborns  16-18 Hours
• Preschool 11-12 Hours
• School Aged 10 Hours
• Teens 9-10 Hours
• Adults (Including Elderly)   7-8 Hours              Source:    National Institutes of Health

The CDC recommends trying the following tips to help you sleep better at night: follow a regular bedtime schedule; avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime; and avoid nicotine. Also remove electronics from your bedroom and keep your sleeping area dark.
Regular exercise helps you sleep better too, according to National Sleep Foundation. Try dancing—it’s a great form of exercise and a great stress reliever. The Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Charlotte and Lake Norman, NC offer a wide variety of programs to people of all ages and abilities.  Dancing is a great way to also stay healthy and have fun doing it as well!

Resource links:

“Why is Sleep Important?”
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sdd/why.html

National Sleep Foundation
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/

“Insufficient Sleep is a Public Health Epidemic”
http://www.cdc.gov/features/dssleep/