Sleep habits and quality rest are a hot topic these days.

By Bernadette Kathryn, LMT, IHLC

 

 

 

With all of our connections to the Internet, cell phone, iPads, iPods, blackberry’s, email, etc. we are finding it increasingly difficult to disconnect and turn off. Sleep is vital to our overall well-being. We need sleep to think clearly, react quickly and stay alert during our daily activities. Getting adequate quality sleep helps us maintain good health and function at our best. How well rested we are will determine how well we function the next day.

 

 

Sleep is important for good health. Skimping on sleep has a price. Not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis has been shown to increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

 

Sleep also affects our mood. Insufficient sleep can make you irritable and is linked to poor behavior and trouble with relationships. People who chronically lack sleep are also more likely to become depressed, make poor decisions and take more risks.