We Mustache You A Question ??

Do You Know What Sleep Can Do For You?

Second only to food and water, sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your body. This becomes more and more obvious to us as we age. In our youth, we convince ourselves that we can handle the exhaustion and all-nighters that occur when we're in college or even as new parents. And, we might get by for a while, but the reality is we're never really operating at our best without a good night of sleep.

You probably know a thing or two about that. But feeling alert and energetic are just the tips of the iceberg when it comes to sleep benefits. Healthy sleep habits are known to impact our bodies in many different ways. The well-slept among us have better immune responses, maintain a healthy weight and have a lower risk of severe conditions like diabetes and heart disease. As you see, getting a good night's sleep is a critical element of your overall wellness.

Some of you are thinking, "if only it were that easy." Getting a restful night of sleep doesn't come easily to everyone. If you have trouble sleeping, speak with your doctor, there are many reasons you may be struggling to rest.

While some people struggle with sleep issues that a physician can treat, others have a problem we like to call poor sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is a set of behavioral and environmental practices that impact your sleep. Good sleep hygiene practices include:

• avoiding large meals or caffeinated beverages in the evenings,

• getting regular exercise,

• sleeping in a dark, quiet room,

• and avoiding screens and gadgets for an hour before you go to sleep.

If you're looking to improve your sleep, begin by addressing these sleep hygiene issues. You'll be amazed to find how a couple of simple changes to your daily routine might make you a happier, healthier, and more rested person. And, as always, bring your sleep concerns to your next doctor's appointment. There's no time like the present to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.