Are you sleeping well?

Today I had a hard time keeping myself awake. I realized that it is due to my accumulated sleep deprivation for the past week. In fact, I had insomnia last night. Which is why I decided to blog about this rising concern that has been affecting A LOT of people, especially teenagers.

Sleep is needed to regenerate certain parts of the body, especially the brain. But what happens if you don't sleep or lack sleep? For the first three days, you may feel extreme fatigue, poor coordination and low focus. But if it continues, you may start hallucinating and things start getting weird... I suggest you go see a doctor, since sleep deprivation can sometimes result in fatal death! 

Apparently, there is a correlation between electronics use and insomnia in teens.  A study from the Journal of Pediatrics published a survey of Philadelphia-area teens. It was found that two-thirds had a television in their bedroom, one third had a computer, 90% had their own cell phone and 79% had a personal music device.  "These technological devices activate the mind. It's like having a stressful work conversation just before getting into bed," said Dr. Jonathan Pletcher, at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.  (http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/html/insomnia_in_teenagers__studies.html)

So, if you want to sleep better, shut down all your electronic devices!

Here are some general tips to sleep well:

1 - Keep a regular sleep schedule

2 - Naturally regulate your sleep-wake cycle (increase light exposure during the day, shut down electronics at night)

3 - Create a relaxing bedtime routine

4 - Eat right (lots of calcium!) and get regular exercises

Alright, that's it for today. Thank you for reading, and please comment!

PS: Did you know an average person will spend 25 years asleep