Do You Need More Sleep?

I saw this meme last month and knew it would be my next news/blog.

While I can definitely agree with some of this quote (like our souls are tired & we need to wake up and live), I don’t agree that our bodies are not tired, or that we don’t need more sleep.

Sleep is one of the things I talk about a good bit, because it’s important. Our bodies need sleep, so that our brain can do it’s job. It’s only when we sleep that our body, mind, and soul have the opportunity to relax, rest, recuperate, and rejuvenate.

I’m not saying we need to sleep our lives away or become couch potatoes, doing nothing throughout the day. Ask any health and wellness expert, (check out newly discovered ryan.ose.fitness on InstaGram!) they will tell you the best way to good health is proper diet, exercise, and rest. I’m saying be as active and productive as you can during the day, and then get a good night’s sleep so you can wake up ready to go in the morning.

1 in 3 Americans do not get enough sleep. The range for “enough” is 6-9 hours. Once you go over nine, you tend to become sluggish from too much sleep, (unless you are ill – then you need all the rest you can get).

Some people are nappers. They say a good “Power nap” is about 20 minutes. If you nap longer than that, you are entering your sleep cycle and, well … you’re asleep. Sleeping in the middle of the day can really screw up your natural body rhythm. If you need a rest during the day, stick to a power nap.

I posted a video about the importance of sleep, as well as tips to help you fall asleep and what to do if you can’t. It’s about 9 minutes long and filled with some great information, delivered with truth and humor. Check it out here!

Work hard/play hard/sleep hard. Have a great weekend!