A Quick Q & A for Sound Sleep.
Q. Why is sleep important?
A. Like eating right and exercising, sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. It affects how you feel, your relationships, your productivity and your quality of life. While you sleep, your brain consolidates your days learning into memory and re-energising the body.
Q. Can naps be bad for you?
A. A short nap during the day can be refreshing. But if you find you're napping all the time, maybe you aren't getting as much sleep as you should. Or you're not getting the deep, restful sleep you need.
Q. How much sleep does the average person need?
A. The average person needs 7-8 hours a night, but it differs for every person. Some people may need as much as 10 hours a night and others need much less.
Q. What are some ways to get a better night's sleep?
A. Try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day – even on the weekends. This will help keep your biological clock in synch. Develop a sleep ritual by doing the same things each night just before bed. A routine cues the body to settle down for the night. Unwind early in the evening so worries and distractions don't keep you from sleeping properly. Finally, sleep in a cool, quiet, dark room on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation. If you're sleeping as much as you need, but are still sleepy during the day, ask your doctor if you might have a medical condition interfering with your sleep.
