Are You Sleepy?

Sleep is as essential to your health and well-being as exercise and a healthy diet. It gives your body a chance to recharge so you can feel great every day. If you don't get enough rest, it's hard to be at your best.

While everyone has different sleep needs, the National Sleep Foundation recommends that most people get about eight hours of sleep per night. And it's not just the number of hours that count. It's also the quality of the sleep. It's important to get an uninterrupted, restful night's sleep that includes "deep" or "slow wave" sleep—the most restorative phase of your night's sleep. Some common "home remedies" for sleeplessness—especially drinking alcohol, can actually disrupt your sleep cycles and can prevent you from getting the deep sleep you need.

• No one jumps out of bed every morning, but if feeling lethargic and groggy is a regular part of your day, you're probably not getting the sleep you need.
• Ironically, problems falling asleep and staying asleep during the night can also be a result of bad sleep habits.
• Needing more than 30 minutes to get to sleep is usually a sign of not getting enough.

• Reduced stress
• Increased concentration
• Improved mood and emotional well-being
• Sharpened senses
• A strengthened immune system to help your body fight illness better