Getting Enough Sleep is Important to Your Health

Getting enough sleep is important for good health. Chronic sleep deprivation
can actually be harmful to your health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can cause
insomnia, and insomnia can lead to chronic sleep deprivation. The chronic lack of sleep
can cause some health problems such as high blood pressure.

Sleep Enhances the Immune System

The body repairs itself while we sleep, and immunity is enhanced. Many people
have found that they become ill with a cold or other illness after being sleep deprived
for several days. Therefore, it is important for your health to get enough sleep every
day.

Ways to Improve Quality of Sleep

If you find yourself losing sleep and feeling chronically tired, there are
techniques many have tried successfully to get a good night's sleep. Nothing feels better
than a good night's sleep!

Tips for getting a better night's sleep

• Try to go to bed at the same time every night
• Avoid consuming caffeine within four hours of bedtime
• Avoid eating a heavy meal within two hours of bedtime
• Avoid drinking alcohol within two hours of bedtime
• If noises are bothersome at night, such as snoring, try wearing earplugs
• Exercise regularly but not within two hours of bedtime
• Before going to bed, write a "To Do" list for the next day to minimize
  worrying during the night
• Say only positive statements to yourself concerning sleep,
  for example, "I'll get a good night's sleep tonight"

What happens when you don't get enough sleep