By definition, sleep is a physical resting state in which most external stimuli are blocked from the senses. It is characterized by a general decrease in body temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and a number of other bodily functions. Unfortunately, on average, we now sleep 2-3 hours less a night than we did 100 years ago. An exhausting thought! In 1910, the average sleep time was between 8-9 hours a night — which brings up the question: how much sleep do we actually need for optimum health? For most people, about 7 hours a day — and we’re just not getting it.
In addition, thanks to today’s high-stress work environment, many average 6 hours of sleep or less a night. As for older people, they just plain sleep less. And it’s not merely a question of total sleep time as we age. Due to diet, toxins, lack of exercise, and other health factors, the quality of our sleep has diminished too. And even if you live a healthy life, another problem is that the average percentage of time spent in deep slow wave sleep decreases dramatically as we age.
Lack of sleep affects us in a myriad of ways, both physical and mental. Sleep deprivation has been linked to mental illnesses, diabetes, obesity, immunity, and can even accelerate the aging process. Enjoy the following sleep articles that cover sleep disorders and the natural sleep remedies available:
Sleep Health:
- To Sleep Perchance To Dream – Sleep Habits & Health
- A Simple Trick For Better Sleep – Blog
- Sleeping Positions Matter – Blog
- Ditch Your Alarm Clock on Weekends – Blog
- Sleep States – Blog
- Sleep Factors & Bedtime Routines – Podcast
- Sleep Hygiene – It’s An Ethnic Thing – Blog
- Nap Your Way To Better Recall – Blog
- How Much Sleep Do The Elderly Need? – Blog
- Older Adults Need Less Sleep – Blog
- Sleep Studies Revealed – Podcast
- Boost Memory While You Sleep – Blog
- Pleasant Smells Lead To Pleasant Dreams – Blog
Sleep Disorders & Issues:
- Lack of Sleep and Loneliness – Blog
- Lack of Sleep and Kidney Disease – Blog
- Deadly Mix: Hypertension, Stress, and Poor Sleep – Blog
- Are You Putting on Weight Because You Lack Sleep? – Blog
- Sleep Apnea, Suspension of Breathing – Blog
- Death In Your Sleep – Podcast
- Sleep & Weight Loss 101 – Blog
- Sleep Deprivation Shuts Down Your Brain – Blog
- Teens Spread Lack Of Sleep – Blog
- Your Brain’s Asleep – Blog
- Sleeping With Your Pets – Blog
