How healthy are your sleep patterns.   You know you feel good after a good night’s sleep but did you know that it helps in preventing cardiovascular disease?  In our new age of technology we spend more waking hours doing things and less quality hours sleeping. (Colton et al, 2006)  So how much sleep do we really need?  In 1910 Americans got an average of 9 hours of sleep a night, in 2005 just 6.8 hours. (National Sleep foundation 2005)  Medical experts are concerned about this shift.  Lack of sleep is associated with glucose intolerance, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and other inflammatory conditions. (Sutliffe, 2008)  The research shows that there is no magic number. Individuals need to monitor their sleep habits and other behaviors to find what is ideal for them.  The National Sleep Foundation suggests adults get 7-9 hours of sleep a night.  Lack of sleep can affect all areas of our health.  A good night’s sleep isn't just something you should hope for every now and then.  Do it Daily4ahealthylife.

References

Colton, H.R. & Alteevogt, B.M. (Ed) (2006). Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation: An

unmet public health problem. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

National Sleep Foundation. (2005). Sleep in America Poll 2005: Summary of

Findings.Washington, DC: Author.

Sutliffe, J. T. (2008). The association among sleep duration, sleep timing and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in an adult population. Walden University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 142-n/a. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/304380838?accountid=14872. (304380838).

Walking is great exercise. 30 minutes of walking each day can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression and obesity. A brisk pace is best but some times a meandering walk is good for the soul. Our internal clock is always working, telling us to get it done and move on to the next task. But sometimes it's good to slow down and let the dog sniff that spot in the grass. Exercise shouldn't be a stressful event it should be something you want to do. Make it enjoyable and you will feel the benefits.

This site is about making healthy choices each day.  I encourage you to do 4 things a day for your health.  You get to choose what 4 things you do.  The things can change on a daily basis.  The Idea is to get us all thinking about our health each day.