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- Sleep allows our bodies to reset for optimal psychological and physiological functioning.
- Failing to get enough sleep can affect concentration, make us irritable, and keep us feeling fatigued until the next time of rest.
- Despite author Jennifer Still's busy schedule, she still makes sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night - here's how.
With their demanding schedules and heavy workloads, modern Americans may find it hard to get the seven to nine hours of sleep each night that the Mayo Clinic recommends for adults.
But if you feel like you're not getting enough sleep, you're not alone. A study by the CDC found that a third of Americans aren't sleeping enough, and it may be impacting our health for the worse.
The negative effects of sleep deprivation on our health are both physiological and psychological.
According to a paper by the NIH, sleep deprivation "increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes." Additionally, not getting enough quality sleep affects mood, performance, concentration, and our ability to form memories.
It can hurt your relationships and increase anxiety, too.
To avoid the negative effects of sleep deprivation, I've made it a goal of mine to get at least eight hours of sleep per night, and with very few exceptions, I've been able to make it a habit. Here's how I get eight hours of sleep every day, even when life is hectic: