4 Ways to Stop the Insanity and Re-Embrace Healthy Sleep Patterns

You're reading 4 Ways to Stop the Insanity and Re-Embrace Healthy Sleep Patterns, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles. A good night’s sleep might seem like a luxury, but rest is a vital part of our overall health. Unfortunately, far too many Americans neglect their sleep needs. In fact, about one-third of Americans struggle with sleep deprivation. That might not sound like a big deal, but a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that even one night of lost sleep increases the production of a protein in the brain called beta-amyloid, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. While most people don’t connect a lack of sleep to such alarming consequences, everyone knows what it’s like to feel exhausted. Poor sleep habits create stress in our bodies and lead to fatigue, diminished concentration, slow reaction times, and increased irritability. Exhaustion also hurts the economy in a big way, contributing to spiraling healthcare costs and decreased work productivity. The typical American sleeps only seven hours per day — about two hours less than a century ago. Adults who sleep fewer than seven hours, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, aren’t allowing their bodies and minds to recover adequately. In a society that rewards us for doing more (and more), it’s tough to dedicate time to what essentially ...
Source: PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: featured health and fitness self improvement benefits of sleep best sleep habits lower stress pickthebrain wellness Source Type: blogs