Sleep for the health of it

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).

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