What a great quote, I totally become a two-year when I haven't slept enough. Don't touch me, don't look at me, don't talk to me. There is a great McDonald's commerical where the guy won't let people interact with him until he's had his coffee. A little dog barks at him and he sharply says back to the dog "No". I love it! I have a point here, I promise. Today's article on Mark's Daily Apple talks about sleep. Have you ever considered adequate sleep as part of your healthy lifestyle? Or are you like most American's where sleep is a nice to have, not a need to have.
As I start digging more and more in to Mark's book, I am realizing that an overall healthy lifestyle is the only way to ensure I live a long, healthy life. Part of that equation is sleep, something I've never really considered except when I'm really tired and I grab another diet pepsi or cup of coffee to keep me going. What does this do to our health in the long term (both caffine addiction and lack of sleep).
As Mark discusses, every hour we lack in sleep takes its toll on our health. Our cognitive abilities suffer (memory loss, inability to process complex problems, think on our feet), our immune systems suffer, our athletic performance will suffer. Sleep is a very important aspect of our overall health as it is a very 'active' time for our bodies. During sleep "we undergo all manner of growth and repair processes through a dynamic biochemical orchestration". I highly recommend that you read the full article, The Definitive Guide to Sleep and consider going to bed earlier tonight. Making sure sleep is an essential element of your healthy lifestyle rather than something you'll do when you die (reference to the quote, I'll sleep when I'm dead).
I, for one, went to bed earlier than normal, leaving some of my favorite shows on the DVR to enjoy another night! I felt better when I woke up this morning. Not great, but better than yesterday morning and better than Monday morning. I am going to make an honest effort to get more sleep, I'm already seeing those dark circles under my eyes fading! This is one of those areas where you can learn from your pets, they love sleep, just look at Remi and Po!
Oh and don't worry, I am taking my before pictures tonight, I always keep my promises!!
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