Health Benefits of Sleep For a More Productive Life

Over the last couple days I've been sick and figured I ought to write about the health benefits of sleep. You see, I've been running full speed and haven't taken much time to just sit back and relax. I believe this has caught up to me and is the body's way of telling me I need to be getting additional rest. As a result I have also slept for 12 of the last 24 hours.

So really, what are the healthy benefits of sleep? Well for starters if you're getting enough sleep then your body would not react in ways that make you feel very uncomfortable. It will help lower stress levels while at the same time allowing your body to recharge from the previous day. What is enough sleep? For the majority of the population that would 7-8 hours a night. There are the rare individuals who can operate on less than that, but which is the minority.

Another of the health benefits of sleep is that your attention span is much clearer and sharper. When you get the sleep you want you are going to be able to think more clearly which allows you to be more productive. Trying to manage with little sleep will mean the quality of your work would suffer because you are in more of a fog and can't think clearly.

It is additionally believed that sleep aids you get to a healthy weight level and to maintain that wait. Dr. Rapoport of the NYU sleep disorders program states that: "Sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same sectors of the brain. When you are sleepy, certain hormones go up in your blood and those same hormones drive appetite." which just proves why so many individuals have the late night munchies. Your system is really telling you that you ought to be sleeping however in reality you begin eating instead.

Whether or not you think that you need additional sleep you can now you can see the health benefits of sleep. You ought to be encouraged to strive to get the rest you need in order to live a healthier lifestyle that will allow you be more concentrated on not only your health and fitness goals, but additionally whatever individual goals in life and business.

Sleep is the number one health benefit you could receive. Without it anything else you try to achieve is going to be worthless. Be sure to get your sleep and with enough then you can clearly focus on other areas of your life without the need for rest becoming an issue.

When getting enough sleep, you could concentrate more on other areas of your life. These top health tips will assist you remain engaged. A good exercise routine such as the Turbulence Training Program will also assist you get better rest.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Pillow for Better Health

Choosing the right pillow can become a real chore if you don't know how to select the best one for your health and sleeping needs. If you're like many people, you probably just grab the first pillow off the rack that feels relatively comfortable, and then expect to sleep well on it. However, there is more to selecting a healthy pillow than most people realize. If you've suffered night after night with insomnia, headaches, or stiff neck and shoulders, it may be that you need to choose a better pillow on which to sleep.

Sleep experts have outlined several things to consider when choosing the right pillow. Two of the most important things to be aware of are your health needs and your particular style of sleeping.

What are your health needs?

If you suffer from issues such as allergies or fibromyalgia, for example, your pillow can be of real importance in alleviating some of the symptoms that you notice upon arising in the morning. Allergies to dust mites, synthetic materials, mold or mildew can trigger allergic reactions while you sleep and you can wake up with a stuffy nose, headache and general tiredness. Those with fibromyalgia who sleep on the wrong pillow will notice pain at pressure points such as the upper shoulders and neck. These are just some of the health problems that can be complicated by the wrong sleep accessory.

What is your sleep style?

Are you a back sleeper or a stomach sleeper? Are you a side sleeper? The answers to these questions significantly impact the type of pillow you should choose for a good night's sleep. In a nutshell, a back sleeper should choose a thinner pillow that has a bit of loft or plumpness in the lower part of the pillow, so as to keep your neck supported while sleeping.

A side sleeper should generally choose a firmer pillow that provides adequate support from the head to the shoulder region that stabilizes the spine. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should choose a very thin pillow or even no pillow at all, so that the spine will remain in a neutral position while sleeping. Your sleep style is especially important in helping you choose the best pillow.

There are, of course, other things to consider such as filling and cover material, as well as the quality level of this sleep accessory. Remember, when choosing the right pillow, it's important to put your health and sleep needs above even the price of this very important bedding accessory.

Visit http://www.downmattresstopper.net/ to get more sleeping tips about how to select the perfect pillow.

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Sleep and Your Health: A Necessity Not a Luxury

In today's fast paced and over stimulated society, many people consider sleep a distraction rather than a delight. Perhaps more people would prioritize getting a good night's sleep if they understood its importance to personal wellness. You need to get enough sleep in order to be optimally healthy.

Getting adequate sleep helps maintain a healthy immune system, which means fewer illnesses. It also helps maintain healthy weight and blood pressure, balance mood, and lowers the risk of diabetes. Having adequate sleep helps the body function at its best.

The amount of sleep needed to feel and function at your best varies from person to person. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Some require more, and others less. Children require more sleep than adults. Newborns spend the majority of their time sleeping. Toddlers and early school age children usually need 10-12 hours of sleep per night. Teens also require more sleep than adults. Most need 9 hours per night to function at their best.

Many people report difficulty sleeping throughout the night. Some have trouble falling asleep. Others fall asleep but have trouble staying asleep. They usually wake up frequently in the middle of the night.

Many factors can interfere with a good night's sleep. Some issues are easier to address than others. For example many people often find relief by changing their daily routine to end exposure to stimulants such as caffeine, exercise, or TV. Other causes of sleep difficulties, however, might require a medical evaluation and treatment. It's important to speak with your doctor if you think you might have a sleep disorder.

In addition to avoiding stimulating activities and beverages close to bedtime, having a calming bedtime routine also helps get a good night's sleep. Maintaining a dark, quiet, and cool bedroom promotes relaxing sleep. Keeping stressful activities out of your bedroom also helps. Avoid doing things like paying bills or working on the computer while sitting in bed.

Lying in bed trying to force yourself to go to sleep can also be stressful. If you haven't fallen asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing, like read a book. When you start to feel sleepy get back in bed.

Remember, a good night's sleep is an important part of any personal wellness plan. It's not a luxury. Contact your doctor if you're having trouble sleeping, especially if daytime sleepiness is interfering with your ability to function.

For more information on healthy sleeping, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website http://www.healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTopic.aspx?topicID=68&cnt=1&areaID=1

Be well.

© 2011 Donna L. Hamilton, MD

Holistic Wellness Speaker Dr. Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS supports people in becoming optimally healthy. She passionately teaches people what being healthy really means and provides practical tools and strategies to address the five key areas affecting health. Dr. Hamilton-a former board certified pediatrician-is Chief Wellness Officer and owner of Manifest Excellence, LLC. She specializes in holistic wellness promotion and speaks nationally on this topic. Dr. Hamilton teaches a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being. For more information, to schedule a wellness presentation for your group, or request a copy of the free personal wellness guide, "It's Easier than you Think," visit http://www.manifestexcellence.com/.

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