Working More, Sleeping Less

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) are reporting, that new data shows many adults living in the U.S. are sleeping less today than they did two decades ago. The average number of hours most adults spend sleeping is about six, according to the CDC and the NSF. They report that many Americans are sleeping less, in order to accomplish more, during their waking hours. And that finding the balance in-between work, family and leisure time activities seems to escape many people.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and that children need even more.

So why are we depriving ourselves of sleep?

The main reason: work

According to the new data, most of us are working longer hours, and many of us are bringing our unfinished work home. We spend on average-in addition to our normal work schedule-four and a half hours per week, working from home.

So, what does that make us?

Tired…

What can we do about it?

Well, we can try and get more sleep. But, if you find that sleeping more is almost impossible,
here are some techniques you can use to insure a good nights sleep:

• Go to sleep at around the same time every night.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark, well ventilated, and at a comfortable temperature.
• Avoid stimulants (TV, caffeine, nicotine) right before bedtime.
• Use a noise machine to drown-out outside noises, like traffic.
• Use visualization and/or meditation to help you fall asleep.
• And most importantly… EXERCISE!
  

Research has shown, that regular, low-intensity exercise helps people who are suffering from fatigue (not associated with a serious medical condition) boost their energy levels.

So, for those of us who are overworked and aren’t getting enough sleep… GET MOVING!

Visit: The Sleep Foundation to learn how you can improve the quality of your sleep.