It’s World Sleep Day

“When Sleep is Sound, Health and Happiness Abound.”  That's the slogan of these year's World Sleep Day, being celebrated today, March 13th.  While it's not a "holiday" that gives us the right to fall asleep on the job, it is meant to remind us of the importance of good sleep habits.

I checked out the website http://worldsleepday.org/ and found that a lot of people are suffering from lack of good sleep. Sleep problems constitute a global epidemic that threatens health and quality of life for up to 45% of the world’s population. Most sleep disorders are preventable or treatable, yet less than one-third of sufferers seek professional help.

And here are some shocking statistics:  A US study has estimated the annual costs of insomnia to be between $92.5 billion and $107.5 billion.

o 71,000 people suffer injuries every year due to sleep-related accidents.
o 1,550 people die because of sleep-related accidents.
o 46% of individuals with frequent sleep disturbances report missing work or events, or making errors at work, compared to 15% of healthy sleepers.

Does that make you want to improve the quality of YOUR sleep?  Here are some suggestions:

10 COMMANDMENTS OF SLEEP HYGIENE FOR ADULTS
1. Fix a bedtime and an awakening time.
2. If you are in the habit of taking siestas, do not exceed 45 minutes of daytime sleep.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol ingestion 4 hours before bedtime and do not smoke.
4. Avoid caffeine 6 hours before bedtime. This includes coffee, tea and many sodas, as well as chocolate.
5. Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4 hours before bedtime. A light snack before bed is acceptable.
6. Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.
7. Use comfortable bedding.
8. Find a comfortable temperature setting for sleeping and keep the room well ventilated.
9. Block out all distracting noise and eliminate as much light as possible.
10. Reserve the bed for sleep and sex. Don't use the bed as an office, workroom or recreation room.

Here's wishing you a good night's sleep...and a great, restful weekend!