“One of the possible side effects of a continued lack of sleep is….death.”  Sarah Ledoux

How many nights in a typical week do you sleep well and awake feeling refreshed and ready to go?

His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.”  (John 11:12; NIV)

Have you ever wondered if all this “hype” about sleep has any merit?  Does a person really need eight hours of sleep?  Or is this “much ado about nothing?” 

Research now proves that without adequate sleep, optimal health will continually elude you.  In fact, one of the fastest routes to obesity, depression, diabetes, and a host of other illnesses is through chronic sleep deprivation.  One study published by the medical journal, Lancet, revealed that even in young, healthy individuals, a sleep deficit of three to four hours a night over the course of a week affected the body’s ability to process carbohydrates, leading people to pre-diabetic states.

Dr. Don Colbert says that when you sleep, human growth hormone is secreted, causing children to grow.  In adults that hormone helps in regulating muscle mass and controlling fat.  Through working with many clients, I have learned that it is nearly impossible for anyone to lose weight (and fat) if they are going to bed too late or getting inadequate sleep.   A lack of sleep will also accelerate the aging process…something no one is standing in line to receive!

So what does sleep do for me, you might be asking?  Sleep boosts the immune system giving the body better natural killer cell activity, which in turn, helps to destroy viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.  Sleep also improves brain function.  Getting enough sleep will help you to learn new physical skills as well.  Sleep regulates the release of several important hormones, thus helping us manage the stresses of life.

So you’re probably wondering, how much sleep do I need?  Researchers mostly agree that we need seven to nine hours of sleep per night.  Now, you might be saying, “Well, I only need five.”  But “just getting by” in sleep will never provide optimal health.  You will “pay the piper,” sooner or later.  Either you begin giving your body adequate sleep now, or pay with your health down the road.

Getting to bed at a consistent time each evening will also reap great dividends.  Ideally, (and I can already hear the moans) going to bed between 10:00 and 10:30 will give the body the most benefit.  Dr. Elmer Josephson said that one hour of sleep before midnight is equivalent to four hours afterward!

Well, enough of this…I’m getting sleepy!  Next week, we’ll explore ways to ensure a good night’s sleep.  In the meantime, “sweet dreams!”

Prayer Power
Lord, thank You for the refreshment of sleep and rest.  May we hear Your voice as You speak to us about getting to bed at a more consistent hour.

Link of the Day
Sleep Deprivation: Links and Information

Blessings on you as you get your beauty sleep.