Rest

Rest is another essential element of life. Like water, our bodies also need rest. 

It sounds so simple and basic, and every one seems to know that things like water and rest are important for good health. Yet, many Americans do not get enough of either one of those on a daily basis. 

When you don't get enough sleep, that can have a major affect on your health!

Every person is different on what they need, but the average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Some people need more than that; some can function on less. I need more than that. Though I can function on 8 hours of sleep, I do much better if I get 9 hours of rest.

Here are just a few reasons why adequate rest is so important for good health:

1. Sleep promotes better productivity and concentration.

2. Sleep helps with calorie regulation and lowers the risk of weight gain.

3. Sleep lowers the risk of heart disease.

4. Sleep promotes social and emotional intelligence.

5. Sleep helps prevent depression. 

6. Sleep lowers inflammation and builds a stronger immune system.

Sleep is how our bodies literally recharge themselves for another day. 

Think of your body like a cell phone. Most people have some type of cell phone today. I have a smart phone, specifically, an iPhone that I charge every night before I climb into bed. (I also silence my cell phone when I'm sleeping so that any calls, texts, or notifications do not wake me up during the night.) When my outlet, charger, and cord are working well, my iPhone is fully charged every morning at 100%. As the day goes on, my battery charge gets used up. If I'm on my phone a lot during the day, my battery can go down to 20%. (or even lower) Occasionally, I have to recharge my phone during the day. 

If my cell phone was only charged at 70% or 80% every morning, it would still work just fine, but my battery charge would run out much faster. That is how many Americans function on sleep. They don't get enough of it, and when you don't get enough sleep, you run out of energy (and many other things!) much faster! 

Scientific studies have also been done that show that the more hours of sleep you get before midnight, the better! (If you don't believe me, Google it!) 

I've made it a goal of mine to try to be in bed (or get ready for bed) by 10 p.m. each night. Sadly, I don't always reach my goal. My creativity comes alive in the evening after supper, often between 8-11 p.m. That's usually when I enjoy playing the harp and creating music, finishing a sewing project, crocheting, or writing a blog post. (which is what I'm doing now at 10:05 p.m.) Thankfully, it's rare that I get to bed at midnight, though that can happen on occasion. (eek! not a good thing!)  

When my brothers and sisters and I were young children (especially under the age of 10), my mom made it a goal to try to have us in bed by 9 p.m. every night. Children's bodies need even more sleep than adults due to the fact they they are still growing. 

Getting to bed earlier and getting plenty of sleep every night is so important!  

The Bible affirms this fact by stating in Psalm 127:2 that: 

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."

Good sleep is a gift from God! 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and I have no medical training. The things I share on this blog are simple, practical things that I've learned help with good health.

(some information about the health benefits of sleep were sourced from medicalnewstoday.com.)