Day 37: The Importance of 'Zzzzzz'

Ever heard of the old phrase 'you can sleep when your dead'? Well, that's a complete myth. If all of us slept when we were dead, we wouldn't be too pretty to look at every morning. Though most of us consider dieting and fitness to be the only beneficial factors in weight loss, we often overlook another important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And that my friends is sleep. Remember it? Like me, you've probably forgotten what exactly sleep is due to the lack there of. But, that's alright. With better eating habits and adequate amount of exercise and physical activity, we also need to factor in the appropriate amount of sleep we each get every night. According to the Mayo Clinic, having difficulty sleeping is "one of the most common medical complaints."

Just this evening, while yawning and constantly rubbing my eyes, I came across this research article published by Harvard University's Harvard Women's Health Watch on the importance of sleep. Check this out: http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/importance_of_sleep_and_health

Pretty interesting huh? Not quite sleepy just yet though? Read these facts on how to achieve good sleep habits, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
"The promotion of good sleep habits and regular sleep is known as sleep hygiene. The following sleep hygiene tips can be used to improve sleep."

• Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning.
• Moderate physical activity may help promote sleep, but avoid vigorous exercise in the few hours before going to bed.
• Avoid large meals before bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Avoid nicotine. 

Still battling a little problem called insomnia? Try a cup of warm tea with chamomile right before bed, which is said to be one of the best known herbal remedies for fighting insomnia. Brewing chamomile tea is simple. And, since it's all natural, there are few side effects to worry about.

As the time gets later and you're eyes get heavier, crawl into a comfy bed, lay your head gently on the pillow and dose off to dreamland in peace :)

Sweet dreams!

XoXo,
DJH