Tag Archives: sleep

Apr27

Top Tips For A Great Night’s Sleep

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Top Tips For A Great Night’s Sleep

There are so many things that get in the way of a good night’s sleep. From work stress and the responsibilities of your family, to illness and everyday life, it’s very difficult to get that quality sleep that you need. You may not be able to control factors that can interfere with your sleep, but there are habits that you can take on to encourage your sleep to be better.

You deserve to sleep through the night, and that means looking at the ways that you can upgrade your space. Whether you change your bedding from cotton to linen bedding, or you choose to get thinner bedding so that you can feel more comfortable, you need to look at what you could be doing right now to change your sleep situation. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you sleep better at nighttime:

Put yourself on a schedule:

Yes, children are the ones that often are on a schedule, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t too! Set aside no more than eight hours for sleep and try to get at least seven. A healthy adult needs to have at least seven hours of sleep per night, but most people don’t need more than that to be very well rested. If you go to bed at the same time and you set an alarm for the same time every day, you will be consistent in your body’s sleep and wake cycle. If you’re not falling asleep quickly when you go to bed, leave the room and do something relaxing. You could read or you could listen to music, and then you can go back to bed when you feel fully tired. Eventually you’re going to get your body into the right cycle.

Pay attention to your diet:

If you go to bed hungry, you’re not going to be able to rest. If you go to bed too full, you’re going to feel like you’re trying to digest while you are laying down which is not good for you or your stomach. Make sure that you are leaving at least an hour or so after you eat before you go to bed and try to avoid too much in the way of caffeine or alcohol right before bed. Nicotine and caffeine can stimulate, where alcohol can make you feel sleepy but it can disrupt your sleep later on.

Be in the right environment:

Your room should be kept cool and quiet but it should also be quite dark. Too much light can make it more of a challenge to fall asleep and you should avoid prolonged use of your phone or your tablet when you should be going to sleep. Calming activities like yoga or taking a warm bath can help you to promote better sleep and feel more comfortable.

No matter what you do, pay attention to the way your body feels after trying these new things and you will be able to ensure that you are getting the best possible night’s sleep!

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Oct21

Health Habits To Start Today

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Health Habits To Start Today

At times, the problems and responsibilities of being an adult can seem so big that taking on more can seem like a crazy idea. Still, you can’t say enough about how important it is to take care of your own health. If you keep up with some healthy habits for a while, you might find it easier to handle what the day throws at you. Read on to find out what you can do to get to this point:

Eat Well:

Most of the time, we only care about how something tastes and don’t care about our health. But unfortunately, the fast and unhealthy food we eat every day to save time and effort in our busy lives poses a threat to our bodies that we can’t even imagine. This is why we want to talk about how important it is to eat a healthy diet.

If you’ve been eating unhealthy food for a long time, it might be hard for you to switch to a healthy diet all at once. But with time and effort, you’ll get used to it and eventually live a healthy life. Eating healthy doesn’t mean only eating boiled food, eating less, or not eating fat. Switching to a healthy, well-balanced diet means eating everything in the right amount, at the right time, and with the right combination. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a treat or a “cheat meal” but it’s always best to do so in moderation.

Exercise Regularly:

If you want to make sure you have healthy habits, you should also think about adding exercise to your daily routine. Fitness starts with a good workout and what seems difficult now will be so easy in due time. Also, don’t worry about how much it will cost. Working out doesn’t have to be expensive; you just need to search around for something that will suit your budget and interest you. Muay Thai for beginners is a perfect example.

Making a regular time to exercise is the first step if you want to start working out more. Creating a schedule for your workouts can make it far more likely that you will keep up a healthy fitness program. Although routines are great for staying on track, it’s also important to mix things up every once in a while. Introducing some element of surprise into a long-term task can help keep it interesting. So, if you want to make working out more enjoyable, try throwing in some unexpected challenges.

Sleep Well:

Last but not least, sleep is one of the most important things for your health. It can also make or break your fitness routines because it affects your ability to stick with them. So, every night, make sure you get enough sleep. All bodily functions rely on enough sleep. How well our bodies and brains function the following day is impacted, as are our immune systems, metabolism, and susceptibility to developing chronic diseases. The importance of sleep cannot be overstated; it has far-reaching effects on your overall health.

With simple changes in diet and lifestyle, you will be your best and healthiest self. All it takes is a little time and effort!

Featured Image By: Jane Doan

Aug19

Start Living Healthier With These Tips

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Start Living Healthier With These Tips

Health is wealth. This proverb could not be more accurate, especially in today’s society. With so many processed foods and pollutants in the air, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, by following some simple tips, you can make strides towards a healthier you. This blog post will give some of the best tips for living a healthy life:

Eat a variety of foods:

It is important to eat a balance of healthy foods to get all of the nutrients your body needs. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet. Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugar. They can also be low in essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Limiting your intake of processed foods to maintain a healthy diet is important. Healthy eating habits can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Get active and stay active:

Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall health. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. This can be achieved by doing 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Some examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, swimming, or mowing the lawn.

Physical activity doesn’t have to be boring! There are many enjoyable ways to get active that can fit into your lifestyle. For example, taking a dance class, going for hikes with friends, or playing tag with your kids are all great ways to get moving while having fun. And if you’re still unsure about what fun physical activities are right for you, you can try sports. There are loads of sporting activities that aren’t too intense, are fun, and are also excellent for those starting their healthy living journey. A perfect example is Pickleball. Not only is it easily accessible, but it’s also pretty gentle on the joints. Experts like Ashley Roberts Tampa have provided several reasons why Pickleball is a great form of exercise.

Get enough sleep:

Sleep is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough sleep can help improve your mood, reduce stress levels, and promote overall physical health. Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night. However, some people may need more or less depending on their age, activity level, and other factors.

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you can do a few things to improve your sleep habits. Creating a bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine in the evening, and keeping a relaxed and comfortable bedroom environment can all help you get the restful sleep your body needs.

Manage stress:

Chronic stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Some helpful coping mechanisms include exercise, journaling, deep breathing, and spending time with loved ones. If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, it is important to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. Alternative remedies like yoga, meditation, natural products (medicinally) such as Delta 9 Gummies, and aromatherapy can also be helpful in managing stress.

Visit your doctor regularly:

Regular doctor visits are essential for maintaining good health. These appointments provide an opportunity to receive preventive screenings, discuss any health concerns, and update vaccinations. It is recommended that adults visit their primary care physician at least once every three years for a physical exam. Additionally, women should have a well-woman exam with their gynecologist every year. Men should also see their doctor regularly to discuss any health concerns and perform preventive screenings.

Making small changes in your lifestyle can significantly impact your overall well-being. Get started with these tips today!

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Jul27

How To Beat The Summer Heat At Night

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How To Beat The Summer Heat At Night

Many of us find it hard to sleep in the heat. However, you don’t have to suffer through the extreme temperatures. Below are just a few different ways to keep cool on a hot summer’s night so that you can catch some Zs comfortably:

Leave windows open:

An obvious way to deal with the heat is to leave windows open. To encourage a breeze through your home, consider keeping interior doors open on a hot summer’s night (you may want to use doorstops to stop them slamming). If you get bugs coming in through your windows at night, consider installing bug screens that will allow air through while keeping bugs out.

Place fans in the right locations:

Fans can help keep you cool as you sleep. The best place to put a small fan in a bedroom is in an open doorway on the ground facing up into your bedroom. Most hallways are cooler because they have less windows, while air is typically cooler at ground level than up high. If hot air is still coming in through a window, do not place a fan by your window as it will just help blow hot air in. Some people place fans near windows facing outside to help blow hot air out, however this is typically more effective during the day.

Install air conditioning:

The most effective solution against heat in your home is air conditioning. Most homes already have AC, although it can vary a lot in quality. Consider whether you need to upgrade your air conditioning. Older units typically start to become less effective at cooling the temperature over time. In other cases, homes may have systems that are too weak for the size of the home (particularly if additions have been made to a home, but no added vents have been installed).

Use breathable bedding:

Summer is definitely not the time for thick duvets and flannel bed sheets. Ideally, you want light and breathable bedding. Cotton and linen sheets are a good choice. You could even try bamboo sheets. Consider sleeping with nothing but a sheet over you or use a light quilt.

Take a cool shower before bed:

You’re likely to find it harder to go to sleep if you’re already hot and sweaty. Taking a shower or bath in some cold water could help to clean off the sweat and bring your body temperature down. It doesn’t have to be freezing cold water – lukewarm water is fine.

Cool down your bedding:

You could also consider cooling your bedding before you go to sleep. Some people place their bed sheets in the freezer or fridge for five minutes before going to bed. This could stop you from getting hot while trying to get to sleep. Of course, some people may find this to be too much effort (you’ll need to have a spare fridge/freezer drawer, plus it means making your bed before you go to sleep, so bear this in mind).

Summer is a joyous time, albeit a hot one! Use the tips above to beat the heat when trying to sleep.

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Mar30

Essential Ingredients For Better Mental Health

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Essential Ingredients For Better Mental Health

If you want to have more rewarding days and higher levels of energy, then you must take good care of yourself. One piece of the puzzle as it relates to your wellness that can sometimes be overlooked is your mental health. However, it’s a vital component of your well being and can influence how you feel daily.

When you make sure you incorporate these essential ingredients for better mental health, then you can give yourself the opportunity to improve your life and mood. Implement the right habits and you’ll soon discover that you feel better and look forward to each new day:

A Good Night’s Sleep:

If you want to have better mental health, then you must get a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep can make you feel sluggish and negatively impact your mood and attitude. Get enough sleep so that you wake up feeling refreshed and motivated to complete your to-do list. It’s not just about getting more sleep but also resting and taking breaks throughout the day to recharge as well. Get better quality sleep by configuring your bedroom for optimal rest and getting on a regular sleep schedule.

Drinking Sensibly:

Drinking alcohol can also alter your mood and energy levels. The effects of drinking are only temporary and may cause you more harm than good in the long term. If you continue to drink heavily, your habits may also turn into a substance abuse disorder that you’ll need to seek treatment for and address if you want to get better. Instead, find healthy ways to deal with stress such as going for walks, meditating, or journaling.

A Healthy Diet:

The foods you put in your body can impact your health and how you feel. Eat well to keep your brain nourished and your spirits lifted. There are also many foods that can help reduce anxiety and keep you feeling more level. Not getting enough of the right nutrients has even been linked to developing some forms of mental illness.

A Balanced Life:

Improve your mental health by leading a more balanced life. Working long hours and having no time for hobbies or fun can lead you down a dangerous path that might leave you feeling worn out and exhausted. It’s in your best interest to make time for leisure and work a job you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to turn down activities or say no to others when you feel stretched and would rather practice self care, instead.

Regular Physical Activity:

Another essential ingredient for better mental health is to get regular physical activity. Working out can not only be enjoyable but can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your stress. Mix up your routine so that you don’t get bored with exercise and can stick to it. Consistent exercise will not only improve your mood but can also reduce feelings of depression. You’ll also likely find that you sleep better at night when you exert yourself physically during the day.

Implementing some or all of the tips above can help get your mental health back on track for better days ahead!

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Feb3

5 Ways To Improve Your Health

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5 Ways To Improve Your Health

It’s no secret that we’re living longer, but what is not so widely known is that many of us are living longer with a slightly worse quality of life. This is partly due to the increased amount of chronic diseases and illnesses in our society. Improving your health all starts with taking better care of yourself. Here are five ways that you can start improving your health today, whether you want to lose weight, get more sleep, or just feel better overall:

Improve Your Diet:

Diet is a huge factor in your health and what you eat has a lot to do with how healthy you are. Take control of your diet and choose more nutritious foods. Start by cutting out processed food and replacing it with fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s easier than you think to start eating better, so don’t be afraid to make small changes to your diet that could have a significant impact on your health.

Get Enough Sleep:

In today’s society, we often value productivity over health. But getting a good night’s rest can have a considerable impact on your overall well being. You’ll find that you will be more productive, your brain will function better, and you’ll suffer from less stress and anxiety. Take the time to get some sleep – it will benefit you in all areas of life.

Exercise Regularly:

Exercise is a great way to maintain health and well being. Besides the obvious benefits of exercise, such as increased energy and reduced risk of disease, exercise helps improve mood and reduce stress. It also improves your memory and ability to focus. Additionally, it can help you sleep better by decreasing the time it takes for you to enter REM sleep.

Manage Your Illnesses/ Injuries:

Managing illnesses and injuries will improve your quality of life by giving you a greater chance at living longer with fewer chronic diseases and illnesses. It will also help you recover faster. For example, if you have an injury that needs to be taken care of before it gets too bad, it will take less time for you to recover and return to normal activities than if left untreated. If you believe your injury was due to the actions of someone else, you should consider seeing a personal injury lawyer to receive compensation and extra financial help for the time when you need to rest and get better.

Improve Your Mental Health:

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there are many ways you can start taking care of yourself mentally. You could start by focusing on your overall happiness rather than specific goals. Let go of the stressors in your life and give yourself time to enjoy what you are doing without anxiety or other negative feelings getting in the way. If you’re feeling a little down, try going for a walk, spending time with friends or family, or just reading a book to relax.

Small steps to improving your health that you take today can help improve your tomorrow as a better you!

Featured Image By: Nathan Cowley from Pexels

Feb3

Establishing An Effective Bedtime Routine For Kids

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Establishing An Effective Bedtime Routine For Kids

Kids can be enormous bundles of energy. But like all people, they still need to recharge their batteries. The appropriate hours of sleep for a child depends on their age, with younger children needing more sleep to help their bodies grow. For example, kids between the age of 3 to 6 years old need between 10 to even 12 hours of sleep. Not all this sleep is done at night, with parents heavily encouraged to put them down for afternoon nap times.

However, for the main event at night, it can be difficult to get your kids to settle down, especially if they are excited. One of the best ways to get your kids to sleep better and quickly is through an efficient bedtime routine. If you are struggling to get your kids enough hours of sleep, try these tips for an effective bedtime routine:

Limit the Sugar:

Unless you want to start rooting around your medicine cabinet for expired melatonin, you do not want to feed your children anything overly sugary after dinner. Not only can they become hyperactive from too many sweets, but the resulting sugar crash can also make their night’s sleep uncomfortable. This means you need to regulate the kind of dinner you give your children.

First, avoid sodas and sugary drinks and instead serve fruit juices or even just plain water if possible. If your kids still want to eat dessert, you may opt to give them only a small amount of something. Or you can choose to give them fresh fruit.

Bath time:

After they’ve eaten, it is now time for them to have a bath. Research has shown that taking a bath about 90 minutes before going to bed can be helpful in cooling down the body and getting you into a more restful state.

Remember to use bathing products that are appropriate for their age. For example, some facial foam brands are formulated to clean skin that experiences heavy exposure. Although this is great for adults who routinely spend time outdoors, it can be strong for children. Make sure to temper their bathwater as well, making it warmer if it’s chilly or a little cooler if the summer air is too hot.

Some Screens:

Your kids may want to use the internet or some form of digital device to watch their favorite cartoons or play some games. After dinner, it may help them wind down to have about a half hour to an hour of screen time. This can mean playing with a smartphone or some time in front of the television screen. Just make sure to supervise the content that they are viewing.

Read to Them:

Reading to children at bedtime has been a custom with children for centuries and it is a great way to bond with them. You can also expect them to develop vivid imaginations and enjoy reading, a useful hobby to instill early on. Let your kids select their own reading material from a selection of books and be sure to ask them frequently if they have any questions.

Kids take time to comprehend what’s happening and you may need to read something slowly or repeatedly. Picture books will be a sure hit with kids since they allow children to visualize what they’re reading with you.

Careful with the Light:

A final consideration that many parents have to face is whether to use a nightlight. These devices are used to comfort children with illumination when they are still afraid of the dark. However, some parents may feel that a nightlight only keeps kids awake due to the illumination. You can avoid this by buying a nightlight with adjustable brightness and placing them close to the floor rather than high up, where the glare can wake your kids. Finally, you may wish to employ some strategies to slowly wean your kids away from using them.

A successful bedtime routine can help your kids settle down at night and get the rest they need. Fine tune these tips to accommodate your their needs and you can look forward to restful evenings and healthy children.

Jan15

How To Stay Clear Minded And Focused Throughout The Day

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How To Stay Clear Minded And Focused Throughout The Day

If you’re someone who tends to get distracted and you find it harder to focus the longer the day drags on, there are many reasons why that might be the case. Today, we’re going to take a look at the things you can do to stay focused and be more clear minded throughout your working day. A combination of the ideas discussed below might deliver exactly what you’re looking for:

Go to Bed and Get Up Earlier:

First of all, you should take a look at your sleeping patterns and routines. If you’re going to bed late and then skipping the alarm five times before you get out of bed, your mornings are always going to be more chaotic and stressful than they should be. And that can lead to problems with focus due to a lack of sleep and a good morning routine throughout the day. So go to bed earlier and get up earlier too.

Take Regular Breaks:

It’s a good idea not to work yourself too hard if you can help it. By taking regular breaks away from your desk and the computer screen throughout the working day, you can make sure that you’re not becoming too tired and drained. If you don’t take breaks, by the time you reach the middle of the afternoon, you’ll probably be exhausted and your performance will decline.

Drink More Water:

Drinking more water and staying hydrated throughout the day is one of the best things that you can do to stay focused and keep your mind clear. You’ll become more distracted and irritable, finding it harder to stay focused when you’re not staying properly hydrated. If you don’t really enjoy drinking water, you can find a coffee or try the best bubble tea you can find; just stay away from drinks that contain too much sugar.

Stay Away from Excessive Multitasking:

Staying away from too much multitasking is definitely a good idea if you want to make sure that you don’t get bogged down in too much work. When you multitask, you also don’t work in a way that’s efficient. So try to focus on taking on one task at a time because that’s usually something that yields better results and better focus throughout the whole day.

Work on Building Willpower:

Finally, you should think about whether your willpower or a lack of it is negatively impacting your work performance. If you struggle to focus on the task at hand, it might be because you give in to distractions and other temptations too easily. By training your brain to focus on what you’re doing and building your willpower up, you should be able to stay focused for longer.

We all need to stay on our A game throughout the day, especially when we’re juggling our jobs with our family responsibilities and the like. If focus is something that you’ve been struggling with lately, be sure to give the ideas above a try and see if they help you out!

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Nov12

Where Should Your Dog Sleep At Night?

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Where Should Your Dog Sleep At Night?

It’s important that your dog gets a good night’s sleep, but just where should they hit the hay? Are certain sleep options healthier than others? This guide explains it all:

Should I get a dog bed?

A dog bed can provide a cozy place for your pooch to curl up. If you’ve got hard floors, it is essential to set up a dog bed. This could be an improvised bed made of pillows and blankets. Alternatively, you could buy specially engineered dog bed from a company like Pawpedics to provide ultimate comfort. It’s important that any dog bed is large enough for your dog. Dog beds should be regularly washed to keep them nice and clean.

Should I get a dog crate?

Dog crates are often used for training puppies to stay in bed at night so that they don’t wander about and cause mischief (or hurt themselves) while you’re asleep. Crates can also provide a sense of security for older more anxious dogs, providing them a private place to escape to.

As with a bed, a crate needs to be the right size. Make sure that they can stand up and lie in it comfortably. Be wary of buying a small crate for a large breed puppy as they may quickly outgrow it. You shouldn’t be locking your dog up in a crate for hours on end during the day. Crates should be used only for helping dogs to sleep – not as a method of keeping your dog contained while you go out for work (you’re better off hiring a dog-sitter).

Can the dog sleep in my bed?

Some people allow their dog to sleep in their bed. There’s nothing wrong with it, just understand that once you start allowing this, it will be very hard to train the behavior out of them if you change your mind. Allowing a dog to sleep in your bed can strengthen your bond, plus they can provide great cuddles. However, you’ll need to get used to your bed being covered in dog hair. Larger dogs may also take up a lot of space, which could lead to a disrupted sleep.

Can I keep my dog outside?

There’s a lot of debate as to whether you should keep a dog outside. Most dog professionals agree that there’s no problem with keeping a dog outside provided that they have a kennel that is warm, dry, and cozy enough – make sure that it’s waterproof, insulated, and has bedding.

Keeping a dog outside is more preferable in countries with warmer climates but thicker coated dogs will usually be able to stay quite warm even in cooler climates. You should avoid letting a shorter coated dog sleep outside in a cooler climate.

While the correct answer to where a dog should sleep is always in your bed or on the couch, there are other alternatives too for a good night’s sleep for your pup.

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Oct25

How Not Sleeping Enough Affects Your Health

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How Not Sleeping Enough Affects Your Health

Not sleeping enough over any prolonged period of time will negatively affect both your mental and physical health. If you are regularly getting less than at least seven hours a night, you will fall into the category of not sleeping enough. Perhaps you already have started to notice some symptoms of lack of sleep. Or maybe, you are unaware of the consequences. Either way, if you, do not sleep enough, you should make a valiant effort to get more of it, and here are a few reasons why:

Your Immune System:

When you are asleep, your body gets to work on fixing and repairing any damage that has occurred during the day. Beauty sleep is called beauty sleep for a reason! The body is able to help strengthen the immune system and regenerate cells which are vital to helping you fight off infections. Over time, if you do not sleep enough, you will find that you fall victim to more colds, flues, and potentially worse infections.

Your Memory:

While you sleep, the brain changes short-term memories into long-term memories. You may find that not sleeping enough goes hand in hand with a bad memory.

Your Central Nervous System:

Not sleeping an adequate amount can disrupt the body’s ability to send, receive, and process information. Sleep deprivation will exhaust the brain just as much as the rest of you. It will affect your concentration levels and you might find it difficult to learn something new. It can affect your coordination, meaning that you are more prone to accidents. This can have drastically tragic consequences on things like driving, for instance. Your mental and emotional state will be in constant flux. You will have more mood swings and become far less patient. It will also affect your decision-making ability. If you have a chronic lack of sleep, you may even start seeing hallucinations or trigger things such as mania and paranoia.

Depression:

Lack of sleep can lead to depression. Having our mood affected in such a way can have very serious consequences. It may even lead some people to consider suicide or begin drinking or taking drugs. The irony is these habits negatively affect sleep even more. If this resonates with you, then maybe going to rehab centers may help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Your Heart Health:

The health of your heart is affected by your blood pressure. When you sleep, the body regulates blood pressure and helps to prevents heart disease. That means that by not sleeping enough, you may end up with heart complications.

Obesity:

Unfortunately, not sleeping enough may well be a contributing factor to obesity. Some people who do not sleep enough will find that due to their lack of energy, they eat more sugary or fatty foods to compensate. It is a false economy and does not work. Also, being overweight may cause you to wake up hungry in the middle of the night, resulting in more snacking.

A good night’s sleep, clearly, does a lot more than make you feel well rested every morning. Catch some Zs and let your body work behind the scenes to help keep you healthy.

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