Dear Just Be: I have so much to do it seems that sleep is not a productive use of my time. Is sleep that important?

Sleep is incredibly important for you. It is essential! Sleep makes up one of the three key factors for a healthy lifestyle: 1.) diet, 2.) exercise, 3.) sleep. Sleep promotes learning and memory and it is also when your body grows and repairs any damages.

I am sure with the recent time adjustment you have noticed a change in your energy level, decision making ability, reaction time and this is due to the loss of sleep. Fortunately, it should only take a day or two for you to adjust to the time shift. Researchers have studied the affects of lack of sleep and people’s performance is the same if not worse as when they are intoxicated. Lack of sleep is also associated with a number of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Sleep is a necessity but it is also crucial for you to get adequate sleep. Adequate sleep is getting the right number of hours for you. On average people need 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep, but truly the number of hours a person needs to wake feeling reenergized and ready to function depends on the individual. Your body likes and functions best with regularity, so maintain a stable sleep schedule which means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on the weekends. Furthermore, create an optimal sleep environment. Make sure the room is dark, the temperature is not too hot or cold and more importantly, you aren’t doing other things while in your in the bedroom, such as watching TV.

So bottom line, sleep is important!

For more information on the importance of sleep visit:
Six Reasons Not to Scrimp on Sleep
The Importance of Sleep for your Health