Many Americans incorrectly report their hours of sleep because they include pre- or non-sleep activities which may include reading, personal grooming, watching television, etc. So the average report of 6.8 hours of sleep may be far less than we originally thought.

If you don’t believe me, here’s the source.

Why does this matter? Inadequate sleep can have life-threatening consequences. For example, individuals who lack proper sleep may put themselves at risk when they drive early in the morning or late at night. They may also become irritable, short-tempered, or distracted.Not only do sleep disorders pose a risk to the individual and their loved ones, but it also impacts important cognitive skills such as memory, decision-making, problem solving, etc. Source.

Many people are not even aware that they may be showing signs of a sleep disorder. Ask yourself right now:

Do you have difficulty falling asleep (early wakening, waking frequently during the night, without refreshing sleep) or a combination of these?
Are you waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep?
Are you waking up too early in the morning?
Do you find yourself feeling tired, without energy, or experiencing concentration problems?

“Sleep is as important to your health as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Whatever your reason for sleep loss, insomnia can affect you both mentally and physically. People with insomnia report a lower quality of life compared with people who are sleeping well.” Source.

There are several mindfulness directed mindfulness exercises that are available online to assist with sleep disorders. We love Headspace because they provide exercises specific to sleep. You can also try this link to access guided mindfulness body scans developed by UCLA. Stop letting a lack of sleep rule you. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new medication regimen, but ask your doctor about these great homeopathic sources for a good night sleep: Magnesium, Valerian Root, and melatonin.

Still struggling? Give us a call. Perhaps there is more to what is keeping you up. 770-742-9676