SLEEP A PANACEA FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH.

SLEEP A PANACEA FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person. According to Awake! Magazine, Most newborns sleep for 16 to 18 hours a day, toddlers about 14 hours, and preschoolers about 11 or 12. School-age children generally need at least 10 hours of sleep, adolescents perhaps 9 or 10, and adults from 7 to 8. Getting the right amount of rest should not be considered optional. According to experts, sufficient sleep is important for: *. Growth and development in children and teenagers. *. Learning and retention of new information. *. Maintaining the right balance of hormones that impact metabolism and weight. *. Cardiovascular health. *. Disease prevention. Insufficient sleep has been linked to obesity, depression, heart disease, diabetes, and tragic accidents. Surely these give us good reason to want to get enough rest. So, what can you do if you realize that you have a problem getting enough sleep? *. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. *. Make your bedroom quiet, dark, relaxing, and neither too warm nor too cold. *. Do not watch TV or use gadgets while in bed. *. Make your bed as comfortable as possible. *. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime. *. If after applying these suggestions you still suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders —such as excessive daytime sleepiness or gasping for breath while sleeping— you may want to consult a qualified health-care professional. Other factors for optimum health are keep yourself moving