Sleep:
The Vital Connection
To Your Health and Happiness

Shut-eye isn't a luxury. It's a critical necessity. Sleep is as important as anything else you do to age well and stay healthy.

Sure. You get enough. Five hours last night and six the night before, but you'll make it up with eight tonight. Never mind. You'll be OK. Or not.

It's that "or not" that gets you every time. You think you're getting enough zzz's because you make it through your day (with how many cups of coffee?). But you aren't.

You are experiencing deprivation and all of its effects.

Our ancestors pretty much woke with the sun and retired for the night when it did. Now that we have artificial light, you think you are OK with only half that amount. Except that you have insomnia and don't even rest well for that short amount of time. And you wonder why you drag through your day and nod off during those dull meetings?

Research shows that when you're chronically deprived, your body doesn't have the time to build proteins and other brain-boosting components. So instead of waking yourself early, allow yourself to wake naturally.

Your boost to concentration and memory happens in the first stage, so even a snooze as short at 30 minutes can benefit your brain.

It's time to reexamine your personal needs. Take a step in your life that can be more influential for your longevity than diet, exercise, or heredity. Learn how to take better care of yourself by spending more and higher quality time in bed.

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