[frame_center src=”” href=””]Do you know how much sleep your body needs?[/frame_center]

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute, most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep nightly.

My normal sleep requirement is at least seven hours. I can go three nights in a row with five to six hours of sleep. But then, I have to return to my normal seven hours of sleep. It took me several years to figure out my limits.

[frame_center src=”” href=””]Do you recognize how lack of sleep impacts you?[/frame_center]

By sleeping 90 minutes less than what your body needs can reduce your daytime alertness as much as 32%, according to WebMD.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 83,000 crashes annually related to drowsiness between 2005 and 2009. This count includes 886 fatalities, 37,000 injury crashes and 45,000 property damage only crashes.

Studies have shown lack of sleep on a regular basis can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

For me, lack of sleep impacts how much I eat. I notice when I don’t get enough sleep, I snack often throughout the day. Not a good habit for my waistline. When you have less than normal sleep, your body makes more hunger hormones (ghrelin). Also, your body makes less of the hormone that lets you know you’re full (leptin).

[frame_center src=”” href=””]Do you know why you don’t get enough sleep?[/frame_center]

There are many studies that validate why sleep should be a priority. However, life is life. Sometimes there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done.

My schedule is demanding so it’s a constant effort to go to bed in a timely manner. But I make it happen because I know the adverse impact lack of sleep has on me.

For the most part, I keep a consistent time when I go to sleep. I can only be consistent by planning. I recognize I can only do so much every day. Some things that I used to do daily are now things I do once a week.

I no longer accept every invitation I receive. I no longer over-commit to doing things. I’ve made sleep a priority. And when I’m sick, it’s even more of a priority to recover quickly.

Sleep is a priority to stay healthy. It’s a time for your body to rest and recover. Studies have proven how lack of sleep adversely impacts the body. Knowing the importance of sleep to your health, isn’t it time you made sleep a priority?  

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Niv PersaudNiv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter and as a financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”