The Single Thing You Can Do For A Safer, Happier Holiday
The holiday season is that time of year when we are tempted to
overeat, go to bed later and wake up earlier. It seems that we
have twice as much to do and half the time to do it. Here are
four reason why it is more important than ever to get at least
eight hours of sleep.
Adequate sleep improves the immune system. Studies now suggest
that adequate sleep impedes bacterial growth. For the average
person, this would be at least eight hours. For children it is
nine to ten hours of sleep, a night. We know that if we catch a
cold or flu we are advised to get plenty of rest. Although REM
sleep is only twenty percent of our sleep, a night, it is the
part of sleep that restores our energy system. When we cut short
the amount of sleep necessary, we are shorting ourselves on REM
sleep. Lack of sleep makes us more vulnerable to infection.
More sleep helps handle stress. When we get an adequate amount
of sleep, we wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the problems
of the day. To be in a positive frame of mind, sleep is as
essential to our well being as healthy eating and exercise.
Sleep plays a factor in minimizing weight gain. Scientists have
found a correlation between adequate sleep and the hormones that
regulate appetite. Sleep deprivation increases the level of the
hormone that signals hunger and decreases the level of the
hormone which sends a signal to our brain that we are full. Many
Americans who are sleep deprived are also overweight. New
evidence suggests that getting enough sleep is critical to
maintaining a healthy weight.
Adequate sleep is necessary for safe driving. During the
holidays, when traffic is more congested and road conditions are
not always at their best, it is important to stay alert and
drive defensively. The Department of Transportation has
published several reports on the effects of sleep deprivation
and traffic accidents. Research shows that sleepiness is
responsible for twenty percent of traffic accidents.
Even though we may be tempted to stay awake and watch TV or read
a book, it is important to try and go to sleep at an earlier
hour. Sleep is our body's way of rejuvenating itself. Less than
adequate sleep can also cause irritability, mood swings and
memory deficits. While it is important to get adequate sleep all
year round it is essential during the holiday season, when we
are more likely to cut back on sleep so that we can accomplish
everything we feel we need to. This holiday season, try and get
adequate sleep. You may find yourself enjoying the season more.