It isn't often that I hear "Sure, I've had enough sleep." Most people are running on empty: their batteries and tanks are not recharged when they start another day. It is a feeling I have had all day after listening to three great bands last night...in bed way too late, off schedule and feeling like a bear not quite out of hibernation--slow and not focused.
As an essential element of health, sleep is something that we need every night (if you are lucky enough not to work the night shift). Sleep is necessary for the health and development of our brain. Lack of sleep affects many organ systems. The science is fairly young, but there are some points that are known to be important. There is some data to suggest that sleep deprivation may increase risk for diabetes and affect glucose control.
Two hundred years ago if you were having difficulty sleeping, you could have gotten up, lit a candle and had a glass of milk. Today you have other options, but you also have many more diversions from sleeping.
There are many sounds not associated with the night: traffic, sirens and sounds from industry. TVs and other media are enmeshed in our lives. You might be watching a stressful or violent TV show just before going to bed or even worse, in bed.
Foods, caffeine and medication may interfere with sleep. Your Facebook page, chat rooms and interesting blogs may stimulate you and keep you from getting back to sleep. The more frequently that your sleep pattern is interrupted, the longer it will take to get it back to normal.
Here are some tips for getting a restful night's sleep: