Author: Carmelle Smith Added: March 23, 2009
Here’s one a really mundane topic that’ll interest you – the secrets of getting enough sleep. It’s not about interpreting your dreams or the mysticism of being in a suspended state of animation; it’s about the facts of getting enough sleep.
Do you think you’re sleeping enough? Well, think again…
This is a list of the secrets you need to know about sleep (getting enough of it or the lack thereof):
1. It’s not just the quantity, quality also matters. Most adults need at least 8.1 hours of sleep everyday, a study has revealed. Some scientists believe that 7-8 hours of sleep each night is good enough. However, most adults sleep in the range of 6-10 hours a day. Each person needs a certain amount of sleep to function effectively during the day and that amount of shut-eye definitely varies from person to person. The point is it doesn’t matter how long or short you sleep as long as you can go about your daily activities without any problems.
2. Different ages, different sleeping patterns. Teenagers have a slightly different sleeping pattern than adults and children. In teenagers, the hormone melatonin which is associated with the body’s sleeping habits is produced later, making it hard for teens to sleep early. Also, as we get older it is easier to cope with a less sleep.
3. Early birds and late risers. Are you an early bird or do you prefer to wake up later in the morning when the sun is already out and shining? There has been some interesting research on the relationship of sleep and the stress hormone, cortisol. In a study at the University of Westminster, it was determined that early risers have a higher level of cortisol which is then attributed to the higher level of energy as well as increased focus and concentration. Late risers have a lower level of cortisol which accounts for their more leisurely take on everyday activities.
4. Light, follow the light. Light is important if you want to sleep, or wake up for that matter. Turning down the light to a soft, low glow can be very relaxing, and without your knowing it, you’re already in dreamland. A strong light (read: sunlight streaming through the window) is a strong wake up call in the morning.
5. There’s no such thing as sleep savings. You can’t sleep 14 hours tonight so that you can sleep for 4 hours tomorrow, but you can sleep 4 hours tonight and make up on the deficit on the following nights.
6. Take short naps during the day but not after 4 PM. A 30-minute nap on your lunch break can be enough to invigorate and freshen you up, ready to take on the remaining challenges of the day. But it’s not advisable to take a nap after 4 PM because you’ll more likely have difficulty in sleeping later.
Those facts got you thinking, didn’t they?
You’ve looked at sleeping in a whole new light and with all its secrets revealed!
Sleeping doesn’t necessarily mean getting 8 hours of shut-eye, it means getting quality sleep. It doesn’t mean early to bed and early to rise; it is about getting the adequate sleep you need to function effectively throughout the day.
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