Written by Angela Caban

It’s no secret that sleep is an essential part of our lives. Without the proper amount of sleep, we may develop stomach problems, mood swings and eventually suffer from hallucinations and memory problems. Many of us today, especially military families and servicemembers, function on the minimum sleep. But how do we know what is enough sleep for us? How start and maintain healthy sleep habits?

Infants and children need anywhere from 18 to 11 hours of sleep, where adults only need 7 to 9 hours. But how can we accomplish this when there are so many things that keep us busy, and there are also many more things we would rather do then sleep? I know most of us only plan to get 5 hours of sleep a night in order to wake up early and start knocking out our “to-do list”, but trust me when I say it will catch up to you. Get yourself set on a healthy routine; you will be surprised at just how much better you will function throughout the day. And you will even improve your overall health. Isn’t feeling better worth it?

Time for Bed: It may sound a bit juvenile, but setting up a time for bedtime, will actually help you stick to your healthy routine. Go to bed at the same time every night. Decide at what time you feel the most tired, this will also reduce the amount of tossing and turning you do. Don’t be tempted during the weekends or your days off to break your bedtime, use the increment trick. If you wish to get your body used to another time to sleep, increase or decrease in 15 minute increments daily.

Don’t Sleep In: Make sure you set that alarm and wake up at the same time every day. Most people that are getting the proper sleep needed don’t need an alarm and their bodies wake up automatically.

Napping is Not Only For Kids: One trick that I have always found helpful, the power nap. Whether you nap 20 minutes or 2 hours, this is the perfect way to make up for some much needed lost sleep. It keeps you on your sleeping schedule and it also helps you to gain that extra energy needed. However, if you suffer from insomnia this may actually worsen it. Make sure you seek professional medical help if you have any severe sleeping disorders.

Don’t Nap Late: Many of us may start to feel drowsy right after dinner; this in no way should be a nap time. If you feel as though you are going to fall asleep earlier you’re your bedtime, get active. Take a walk, call a friend or clean. Sleeping early may not only throw you off schedule, but you may wake up after a few hours then have problems getting back to sleep at night.

I am not a medical professional, these are just tips in which I used to help my sleeping patterns return to normal. If you have a sleeping disorder, please seek professional medical help.

For more on Angela Caban, visit her website at www.angelacaban.com.

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