sleep: catching Zs

I'm writing this after taking a nice nap at the foot of my bed where the sun shines in through the window. While the temperature isn't as high as last weekend's heatwave, it was nice to still be inside and feeling the warm heat through the window. Sun + sleep = recipe for a mood booster! Sun not only boosts your mood, but sleep makes you feel less cranky and more energized. That's why summer naps outside are some of my favorite :)

Is this what you feel like? You may need more sleep.

[photo]

However, we can't always choose to get as much sleep as we want. When things get busy, it seems like there are not enough hours in the day. (Midterms week, anyone?) Sleep is usually the first thing to get crossed off the list. I understand just as much as anyone that it is sometimes hard to get enough sleep. But I do know that sleep is so important! Why?

It's essential. Your body needs it to function properly.

It makes you happy! Or, at least, less cranky.

It aids in memorization. Your brain memorizes things throughout the day during sleep, so getting a full night's sleep before a test ensures that you will recall information far easier than running on only a few hours. (Or none!)

It keeps you slim. Sleep is the only way, other than food, that your body can get energy. That infamous midnight stomach growl? Your body is actually telling you you need sleep, but since you're not letting your body sleep, its last "survival" resort is extra calories. (The word "calorie" = energy, get it?!) It is a known fact that being overweight or obese can sometimes be a more extreme outcome of getting no sleep.

Getting enough sleep could make you THIS happy and relaxed!

[photo]

The reasons above are just a few I know off the top of my head. If you're interested in learning more about the benefits of sleep, check out this article! It explains why sleep is important for other things too, like creativity, athletic performance, lowering stress, and emotional stability!

And, if you just can't get a full night's rest, check out this site - sleepyti.me - to calculate the perfect time to go to bed or wake up. It measures time in sleep cycles so you can at least feel well-rested if you can't get in those eight hours!

Have sweet dreams this weekend!

xo