Photo by Cassandra Hamer
REST
A vital part of a healthful lifestyle is getting the right quantity and quality of sleep. This is when the body grows, repairs damage, and restores energy, preparing itself for another day of activity. When the body is deprived of sleep, it is unable to rebuild and recharge itself adequately. There is an increase in irritability, while creativity, concentration and efficiency suffer. Sleep deprivation impairs judgment, causing values and priorities to change. Continued loss of sleep can result in exhaustion, depression, delusions, paranoia, hallucinations. Losing as little as three hours of sleep in a single night can cut the effectiveness of your immune system in half. Slowed reaction time and decreased concentration lead to an increase in accidents. Estimates suggest that as many as 30 percent of fatal automobile accidents are caused by a driver falling asleep at the wheel.
Do you nod off whenever you're not active, need an alarm clock to wake up, or sleep longer on your days off? If so, you are probably not getting enough sleep. Here are some ways to improve the quality of your sleep:
1. Follow a regular exercise program, preferably in the fresh air and sunshine. The body will rest better if it has been active.
2. Don't eat a heavy evening meal. When the body has to finish the digestion process after you go to bed, you won't get the proper quality of rest.
3. Have a regular sleeping schedule. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time, including weekends. Studies show that the most efficient sleep occurs between 9:00 P.M. and 12:00 midnight.
4. Before bedtime relax your body and mind. Avoid stimulants like radio, television, tobacco, and caffeine.
5. Refrain from alcohol; it interferes with the body's ability to rebuild itself while you are sleeping. Check your medications for side effects that interfere with sleep.
Our bodies require more than just a daily period of sleep. At creation God provided for a weekly rest, the Sabbath. This gives us a whole day without work, when the week's cares are set aside for quality time with God and our families. This Sabbath rest is indispensable for total health.