the importance of sleep

Sleep is vital to your well-being, as important as the air you breathe, the water you drink and the food you eat. It can even help you to eat better and manage the stress of everyday life.

Not getting enough sleep or having sleep difficulties can:

• Limit your ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems.
• Lead to aggressive or inappropriate behavior such as yelling at your friends or being impatient with your teachers or family members
• Cause you to eat too much or eat unhealthy foods like sweets and fried foods that lead to weight gain
• Heighten the effects of alcohol and possibly increase use of caffeine and nicotine
• Contribute to illness, not using equipment safely or driving drowsy

solutions to achieve sleep and the benefits it provides:

1. Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule - even on the weekends.
2. Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine
3. Create a sleep conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool
4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows
5. Use your bedroom and bed only for sleep
6. Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your bedtime
7. Exercise regularly - complete your workout a few hours before bedtime
8. Avoid caffeine close to bedtime - it can keep you awake!
9. Avoid nicotine - used close to bedtime can contribute to poor sleep
10. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime - used close to bedtime can contribute to disrupted sleep and nightmares

**Information from the Sleep Foundation.org**