This holiday season, give yourself the gift of sleep.  Did you know that adults require seven hours of sleep every night?  Getting sufficient sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being.  It improves memory and focus, and even improves our mood.  Unfortunately, getting fewer than seven hours of sleep regularly is associated with health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.  Certain treatable health conditions, such as sleep apnea, can leave us feeling drowsy during the day.  If you're feeling sleepy during the daytime, and you're already getting 7-8 hours of sleep at night, discuss this with your doctor.  

How can I set myself up for the best night's sleep possible?

• Create a comfortable sleep environment:  dark, cool, and distraction-free
• Avoid eating and drinking a few hours before bed
• Get outside in the earlier part of the day
• Exercise!  (at least a few hours before bed)
• Develop a bedtime routine and stick with it-- even on weekends

For information about sleep apnea, see the NIH newsletter:

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/07/struggling-sleep