Do you know how much sleep your body needs?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep nightly.
My average sleep requirement is seven hours.
I can survive three nights with five to six hours of sleep. But then, I need to return to my regular seven hours of sleep.
It took me several years to figure out my limits.
Do you know how lack of sleep impacts you?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 70 million Americans are sleep-deprived.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 91,000 police-reported crashes in 2017 involved drowsy driving. This count accounts for 800 fatalities and 50,000 injuries.
Studies have shown lack of sleep on a regular basis can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.
All of these conditions can result in higher healthcare expenses.
For me, lack of sleep impacts how much I eat. I notice when I don’t get enough sleep, I snack often throughout the day (not a good habit for my waistline).
When you have less than normal sleep, your body makes more hunger hormones (ghrelin). Also, your body makes less of the hormone that lets you know you’re full (leptin).
Do you know why you don’t get enough sleep?
There are many studies that validate why sleep should be a priority. However, life is life. Sometimes there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done.
My schedule is demanding so it’s a constant effort to go to bed at the same time every night. But I make it happen because I know the adverse impact lack of sleep has on me.
I recognize there are only so many hours in a day and there’s only one of me. I’ve shifted some daily routines to weekly routines.
And, I’ve learned to say “no.” I no longer accept every invitation I receive. I no longer over-commit to doing things.
I’ve made sleep a priority. And when I’m sick, it’s even more of a priority to recover quickly.
Sleep is a priority to stay healthy. It’s a time for your body to rest and recover.
Studies have proven how lack of sleep adversely impacts both your mental and physical health. In the long run, these health issues could adversely affect your wallet.
Knowing the importance of sleep, isn’t it time you made sleep a priority?
(Update to original post from June 17, 2016)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC (TransitionPG®). She believes life is more than accumulating money – it’s about living the lifestyle you envision and can afford. Niv incorporates all aspects of life when discussing money. She developed the 5 P’s of Life (Personal Relationships, Personal Finance, Profession, Peace of Mind, and Physical Health) to help clients define what they want from life. Once she understands their vision, she helps them achieve their lifestyle or adjust their expectations based on their finances. Niv actively gives back to the community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, exploring the world, and laughing often—even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’” Click HERE to read where she’s been quoted in the media.
LATEST POSTS: