No matter how hard we try to deny it, there are only 24 hours in a day. And once you’ve dedicated most of those to making that important deadline, spending time with family and friends, and maybe squeezing in a hobby, there aren’t many hours left over for that little thing called “sleep.” If the sleep debt you’ve accrued could make an insomniac shake in his slippers, then it’s time to take advantage of National Sleep Comfort Month this November.
Sure, with the holiday season right around the corner, making time for more sleep can seem downright impossible. But if you can get seven or eight hours of sleep each night, you’ll start to see benefits you’ve only dreamed of. Here are a few things your more rested self can expect to see:
- Better mood – If your family knows not to speak to you before the third cup of coffee, this one’s for you. Adequate sleep can make rising with the sun a little bit easier to handle.
- Better memory – Ever lost your keys and then found them in the fridge? Forgot to wish your best friend happy birthday? Being forgetful isn’t just caused by getting older; sleep plays a huge part as well.
- Better immunity – If you hate the way tissues make your nose raw or being unable to taste your food, then sleep may be the answer. Getting enough sleep every day can do a lot to keep the doctor away (that apple they recommend can’t hurt either).
- Healthy appearance – Dark under-eye circles and a poor complexion are two of the ways minimal sleep takes a toll on your appearance. Sure, the “vampire” look has been all the rage the past few years, but characters in fiction novels tend to pull it off better than we can.
- Lower stress – OK, so it’s not a weeklong vacation in a tropical locale, but sleep can be (almost) as restorative. If you can’t commit to a full eight hours each night, then start small, with a nap. That delicious two-hour break can make you feel like a whole new person. Kids may fight it but most grownups will cherish the time.
As the end of the year approaches, I wish you and your loved ones restful nights and the happiest of days.