Sleep Deprivation and Depression - How To Get Better Sleep

Sleep Deprivation and Depression - How To Get Better Sleep
by Spencer Hunt

Insomnia is not a disease, but sleep deprivation is serious. This can affect a person's
energy level, emotional state, memory and mental abilities. This can lead to
depression, stress and irritability. There are other health implications that can afflict
the body as a result of sleep deprivation. As the body is deprived of sleep, its ability
to metabolize glucose declines, leading to the early stages of diabetes. Additionally, a
normally healthy person will begin to show sign of premature aging.

Interestingly, the symptoms of sleep deprivation can actually interfere with a persons
sleep patterns. As stress from lack of sleep increases, the bodys ability to wind down
and get adequate rest declines. As a person ages, they require less sleep. An infant,
up to 24 months old requires thirteen to seventeen hours of sleep. However, people
who are sixteen to sixty-five years old only need six to nine hours. These are not
hard, fast figures, though. Everyone is different and while some folks may do just fine
on three or four hours of sleep a night, others may need ten or more.

Get a Better Nights Sleep

Try a Light Snack - Some people find it helps if they have a small snack before
going to bed. L-tryptophan is a natural sleep aid found in foods such as turkey
and warm milk.
Do Not Oversleep or Sleep In - This is a common misconception. Getting more
than your necessary amount of sleep will actually make you feel groggy
throughout the entire day. Also, while it may be tempting to sleep in, or "catch
up on sleep" over the weekends, it is actually better for you, if you wake up at
the same time each day, even if you got to bed really late the night before.
Create a Bedtime Ritual - Take some time to relax and de-stress before you go
to bed. Create some type of a bedtime ritual to prepare your mind and body for
bed and create a break between the stresses of the day and your time of rest.
Try some light reading, meditation, aromatherapy, a warm bath, soft music, or
anything that helps you unwind and get ready to sleep.
Avoid Caffeine - Caffeine is a stimulant. We know this as we have our morning
coffee. What may not be so apparent is how long caffeine can stay in a persons
system - up to fourteen hours. A cup of coffee at noon can have you still wide
awake at midnight. Avoid caffeine at least four to six hours prior to bedtime.
Dont Use Alcohol to Help You Get to Sleep - Drink plenty of liquids but not
alcohol. Although alcohol may initially make you drowsy and make it easier to
fall asleep, it can cause disturbances in sleep. This results in a less restful sleep.
Restrict Nicotine - Many people do not realize that nicotine is actually stimulant.
After all, a smoke before bedtime feels so relaxing, right? Nicotine acts similar
to caffeine in a persons system. It can keep you awake and cause you to wake
during the night.
Make Your Bedroom a Place for Sleep - Lower the lights, keep the room cool
(but not cold) and turn down the noise. Do everything that you can to make
your bedroom a place conducive to relaxation and sleep.
Don't Leave the TV on to go to Sleep - When you watch TV in bed, you start
associating the bed with non-sleep activities. This can make it difficult to fall
asleep. Additionally, TV shows are based on conflict then resolution. Whether
you realize it or not, this can be stressful to you on a subconscious level. Even
as you sleep you can hear what is happening on the TV and a part of your
subconscious can even process it, raising your stress levels and disrupting your
sleep.

About The Author

Spencer Hunt was a busy pre-med student who got very little sleep and used to
always be very tired throughout the day, until he discovered a new breakthrough
discovery in nutrition. He now helps others to enjoy an energy and immune system
boost through pharmaceutical grade, organic that have been
scientifically validated. Contact him through his site for a free glyconutrients
consultation and wellness assessment. Learn how you can become an Energetic
Early Riser!

The Effects Of Sleep Deprivation

If you suffer from Sleep Deprivation,
Low Energy, Jet lag, Sleep Apnea,
Restless Leg Syndrome, Narcolepsy,
depression, or Insominia, you need to
read this report!

In America alone, Insomnia is a
problem for over 70 million people.
Reports say that over $50 million is
spent every year on caffeine capsules
to stay alert during the day, and
nearly $100 million spent on
over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids
every year. That is depressing!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.