Do you ever feel drowsy during the day? This could mean you have not had enough sleep. Do you find yourself falling asleep during your workday? Drowsiness is the last step before falling asleep. So, what is the mystery about sleep, how much do you require, and what if you have insomnia?
Did you know that you could survive for three times as long without food as you could without sleep? While 7-8 hours of continuous sleep is advised, many people only get about 6 hours of sleep, at the max.
The effects of sleep deprivation intensify the longer a person stays awake. After going without sleep for 48 hours, a person’s cognitive performance will worsen, and they will become very fatigued. At this point, the brain will start entering brief periods of complete unconsciousness. Lack of sleep can also make you psychotic. Then you can die. Really.
If you continue to function without enough sleep, you may see more long-term and serious health problems. Among the most serious possible complications associated with chronic sleep deprivation are high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure or stroke.
From newborns to teenagers – who need the most sleep of all – to older adults, who need about 7-9 hours per night. Too little sleep for an older adult can be worse than not enough sleep. If nighttime sleep is not continuous, it may be time to take a nap.
Millennials are in the 7-9 hours per night sleep range; however, this range is expanding. It may be because they’re tired, or actually, not tired, especially if they are not working.
Make time in your life for healthy sleep. You will then be more able to achieve better work-life balance.
As we age, sleep becomes elusive and yet very much needed. Thanks for the article.
The issue is that as one gets older our sleep is lighter and is easier to wake up. The deep sleep goes unless you have some assistance. I appreciate your comment Lynn Forrester!
I agree, however, assistance for me is difficult. Meds are not for me due to only having one kidney and two bouts with cancer, but I do get some relief with teas.
So sorry Lynn Forrester about your medical issues preventing you from possibly using OTC or other meds for sleeping a good sleep. Glad to hear teas help. Which ones are the best?
Organic teas I purchase at Whole Foods by Yoga
Thanks Lynn…I hope others read this post for ways to help them sleep. Much appreciation!
Joanne, there can be no disagreeing with your facts. Sleep is a valuable commodity to the extent that many people do not realize it until they develop health issues related to lack of sleep. If you are getting sufficient sleep but still experience sleepiness or drowsiness during the course of the day you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you may have this condition. Thank you, Joanne, for bringing this subject to light.
Thanks Joel Elveson-sleep is vital to our health and living a good life!
Joanne, I concur with you! On a personal level sleep is very difficult for me. Falling asleep is a challenge as is staying asleep. Yes, this has caused medical issues.
So sorry to hear about the medical issues due to lack of sleep Joel Elveson.
Many people do not realize how important sleep is to one’s health. Good luck with your sleeping and I do understand