A World of Good : Sleeping

Does life seem to be passing you by? Many people are finding that between working, raising a family, studying for school, socializing and the like, life seems to be leaving them behind.

The answer to being able to slow down and appreciate life once again may surprise you. It does not revolve around getting an electronic organizer, hiring a maid or anything else that may involve a small fortune. Rather many experts are suggesting that to improve the quality of our lives we need more sleep.

It is estimated that more than one quarter of Canadian adult suffer at some point from a sleep disorder and the numbers only seem to be growing. And they are not the only ones suffering. Lack of sleep contributes not only to an individual's ills but it has the ability to effect the public as a whole.

That may seem a overdramatic but consider these facts:

A major threat on our roads and highways is drivers that are drowsy or who have fallen asleep.

The human immune system is stimulated during sleep. A lack of sleep will make you more prone to infection and the spread of disease.

Mistakes on the job can often be traced back to tired workers. This not only will cost the individual their reputation but may cause injury to themselves, others or create financial loss.

Concentration and short-term memory are seriously hindered and intellectual functioning is decreased.

Dr. Stanley Coren is a psychologist at the University of British Columbia. He stated in an interview with the Toronto Star "One hour's lost sleep out of eight results in a drop of one point of I.Q. and for every additional hour lost, you drop two points. And it accumulates. So if you cheat on sleep by two hours a night over a five-day week. You've lost fifteen points." That is pretty scary stuff.

A lack of sleep does not only affect your brain but your emotions as well. People who constantly miss out on a full night's rest tend to be depressed, irritable and tense. The sleep deprived are less adaptable, versatile and tolerant. This does not sound like a recipe for success.

Are you sleep deprived asked yourself the following question:

Do you have trouble falling asleep at night?

Do you wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back asleep?

Do you feel drowsy during the day?

Have you ever fallen asleep while driving or participating in some form of physical activity?

Do you ever fall asleep during the day?

If you have answered yes to several of these questions, you may not be getting as much sleep as you need. Try following these tips to help develop better sleeping habits. One of the most important factors is to develop a regular routine.

Keep a regular schedule and get up about the same time each day.

Enjoy a relaxing evening routine, such as taking a bath, drinking a cup of warm milk or reading. This will help to signal to your body that it is time to sleep.

Exercise regularly but try to avoid doing so close to your bed time.

If you must nap, do so in the mid-afternoon and avoid evenings.

Try to avoid relying on sleeping pills. Let your body's natural cycle kick in.

If you are still finding it hard to sleep after following these tips, you may have a sleep disorder. Consult your doctor. Sleep is one of the life's greatest pleasures and in turn, it can create more pleasure in your own life. So draw the curtains, shut off the lights, close your eyes and sleep tight for a better life.