Mr. Health Insurance of Maryland

Submitted by: Steve Klein

We live in a high stress society…there is no question about that!  In a perfect world, we would lie back on our pillow, close our eyes, and drift off into a relaxing uninterrupted sleep every night.  Unfortunately that is not the reality.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), just one out of three Americans feel they get enough sleep and to make matters worse, over 50 million of us suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.

What is the impact of all of these sleepless nights?  It is now known that a lack of sleep may contribute to weight issues.  It raises the level of a hormone called ghrelin which causes hunger and decreases the level of the hormone leptin which indicated fullness to the body.  You are hungrier and craving calorie laden foods and don’t fall asleep as readily.  Lack of sleep also drives up the level of the stress hormone cortisol which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.  All of this means we need to protect our health by getting a good night’s sleep.

Here are a few tips that might help:

1. Wake up at the same time every day.
2. Let in natural light.
3. Eat a good breakfast every day.
4. Get outside in the early afternoon to perk up and eliminate the afternoon blahs.
5. Exercise in the late afternoon.  Aerobic exercise will help you sleep better.
6. Eat dinner four hours before bedtime.
7. Wind down at least one hour before go to sleep.

According to a University of Michigan study, people who have personality conflicts at work with their boss or coworkers are nearly twice as likely to have sleep problems.  People who work more than one job get the least amount of sleep while temps and part time workers seem to do best.  All of this makes it clear that high stress levels make it hard to sleep and you end up in a vicious cycle.

While a glass of wine may help you fall asleep, it usually isn’t the kind of sleep you need to wake up refreshed and raring to go.  I recommend following the tips I have listed to get a better night of sleep and improve your health.  Your life depends on it.

For more information on this topic or any other health related issue, contact us at 866-654-4844 or visit us on the web at www.mrinsuranceofmaryland.com

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