ing more and more is valued above all else, usually at the expense of rest, sleep and meaningful recreation. Consider the idea that in the Judeo-Christian tradition it was an actual commandment to take one day off in seven, not just a recommendation, (maybe they were onto something?) Advances in communication technology further add to our fre“If only I could get to sleep…,” is a phrase all too familiar to anyone who has ever struggled with poor sleep quality. While tossing and turning, quite often we discover that the harder we try to get to sleep, the farther we seem to push it away. Sleep and the lack thereof has been getting more media attention lately since as Americans we are getting much less of it than previous generations did. Prior to the invention of the electric light bulb, the average person slept close to ten hours a night. The norm for most adults is now less than seven. Even teens are getting less sleep now.

This sleep deprivation is implicated in a wide range of physical and emotional disturbances. Most recently the link between a lack of sleep and problems with overweight/obesity has been noted, and this is thought to be due to a fatigue-induced disruption of the biochemistry that governs appetite, metabolism and fat storage. Deep sleep is also when the body’s healing response is most active. Going without sleep leaves us more vulnerable to both outside pathogens and autoimmune problems. In addition, there is some research indicating that sleep quality has a direct bearing on memory. If we are fatigued when we learn something, retention and subsequent recall diminishes.

Part of the blame for the rise of sleep problems can be attributed to a cultural shift where doing more and more is valued above all else, usually at the expense of rest, sleep and meaningful recreation. Consider the idea that in the Judeo-Christian tradition it was an actual commandment to take one day off in seven, not just a recommendation, (maybe they were onto something?) Advances in communication technology further add to our fren

e getting much less of it than previous generations did. Prior to the invention of the electric light bulb, the average person slept close to ten hours a night. The norm for most adults is now less than seven. Even teens are getting less sleep now.

This sleep deprivation is implicated in a wide range of physical and emotional disturbances. Most recently the link between a lack of sleep and problems with overweight/obesity has been noted, and this is thought to be due to a fatigue-induced disruption of the biochemistry that governs appetite, metabolism and fat storage. Deep sleep is also when the body’s healing response is most active. Going without sleep leaves us more vulnerable to both outside pathogens and autoimmune problems. In addition, there is some research indicating that sleep quality has a direct bearing on memory. If we are fatigued when we learn something, retention and subsequent recall diminishes.

Part of the blame for the rise of sleep problems can be attributed to a cultural shift where doing more and more is valued above all else, usually at the expense of rest, sleep and meaningful recreation. Consider the idea that in the Judeo-Christian tradition it was an actual commandment to take one day off in seven, not just a recommendation, (maybe they were onto something?) Advances in communication technology further add to our fre

es. Most recently the link between a lack of sleep and problems with overweight/obesity has been noted, and this is thought to be due to a fatigue-induced disruption of the biochemistry that governs appetite, metabolism and fat storage. Deep sleep is also when the body’s healing response is most active. Going without sleep leaves us more vulnerable to both outside pathogens and autoimmune problems. In addition, there is some research indicating that sleep quality has a direct bearing on memory. If we are fatigued when we learn something, retention and subsequent recall diminishes.

Part of the blame for the rise of sleep problems can be attributed to a cultural shift where doing more and more is valued above all else, usually at the expense of rest, sleep and meaningful recreation. Consider the idea that in the Judeo-Christian tradition it was an actual commandment to take one day off in seven, not just a recommendation, (maybe they were onto something?) Advances in communication technology further add to our fre

rable to both outside pathogens and autoimmune problems. In addition, there is some research indicating that sleep quality has a direct bearing on memory. If we are fatigued when we learn something, retention and subsequent recall diminishes.

Part of the blame for the rise of sleep problems can be attributed to a cultural shift where doing more and more is valued above all else, usually at the expense of rest, sleep and meaningful recreation. Consider the idea that in the Judeo-Christian tradition it was an actual commandment to take one day off in seven, not just a recommendation, (maybe they were onto something?) Advances in communication technology further add to our fre

ing more and more is valued above all else, usually at the expense of rest, sleep and meaningful recreation. Consider the idea that in the Judeo-Christian tradition it was an actual commandment to take one day off in seven, not just a recommendation, (maybe they were onto something?) Advances in communication technology further add to our frenetic pace where we are never disconnected for very long, blurring the boundaries between work and personal time. Also, many of us spend the majority of our waking hours indoors, which pulls us away from the natural rhythms of the sun. All in all, modern life can easily push us out of balance if we do not remain mindful.

In some instances poor sleep quality can be traced back to an underlying physical complaint, which is why it is important to consult with your physician if sleep problems are ongoing. There are a number of pharmaceutical agents offered that promise to alleviate sleep disruption related to stress and tension, the most common source of insomnia, however most cannot be used for extended periods due to the potential for physical and/or emotional addiction. They also do not address the root cause of most sleep problems, namely STRESS, which creates the habit of sleeplessness.

There are some common sense recommendations everyone should observe in order to maintain good sleep quality. First, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided later in the day as they can disrupt nocturnal rhythms. Exercise enhances the ability to sleep but it too can have a stimulating effect if performed too close to bedtime. Second, the sleeping area should be quiet and well-ventilated. Third, the bed should only be used for sleep and sexual activity. There is a