Get Your ZZZs
Sleep is Vital to Our Health Because It’s When We Heal and Repair
Quality sleep is vital for overall health physical and mental. Though we think of sleep as a time when the body shuts down, this is not the case. Sleep is an active period where the body is processing, restoring and strengthening. Our bodies require long periods of sleep in order to restore and rejuvenate, to grow muscle, repair tissue, and synthesize hormones. Sleep is when we heal and repair. Studies have shown the benefits that sleep can have on our health.
Here are 7 Reasons Why Sleep is Essential at Any Age
- Improves concentration and productivity
- Helps to maintain healthy body weight
- Regulates metabolism
- Supports a stronger immune system
- Lowers inflammation
- Impacts our mood
- Better athletic performance
How Many Hours of Sleep Do I Need?
Sleep needs vary from person to person with the most important variable being age. Babies are growing at a fast rate and require more sleep to repair than at nay other time in our lives.
Sleep Requirements by Age According to the CDC
- Newborn (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
- Infant (4-12 months): 12-16 hours
- Toddler (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
- Preschooler (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
- School age (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
- Teen (13-18 years): 8-10 hours
8 Tips for Good Sleep Hygiene
Following a variety of consistent habits and practices is necessary to have quality sleep.
- Consistent bedtime every night
- Consistent wake time ever morning
- Shut down and remove all electronic devices (TVs, computers, phones) 60 minutes before bed
- Make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark and relaxing
- Keep bedroom temperature at a comfortable setting
- Avoid caffeine and other stimulants too close to bedtime
- Be active during the day
- Limit fluids too close to bedtime
5 Natural Remedies to Aid Sleep
- Take a warm shower
- Soak in a tub with Epsom salt and lavender essential oil
- Read a book
- Listen to a meditation app such as Headspace, Calm
- Try having some Lemon Balm or Chamomile tea