Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Getting enough sleep is very important to both the body and the mind, but not everyone gets the sleep they really need to stay healthy. So, how can you tell if you're getting enough sleep? Here are some things to consider.

You Wake Up Naturally

If you need to set three alarms and can still barely drag yourself out of bed, you probably aren't getting enough sleep. While you still may need an alarm clock if you have to get up very early or want to make sure you aren't late for an appointment, you should wake up much more easily, at a reasonable hour of the day. Waking up naturally indicates that you have slept long enough, and that you are caught up on the proper amount of sleep for your age, activity level, lifestyle, and other specifics.

You Aren't Gaining Weight

While there are a lot of things that can cause a person to gain weight, not getting enough sleep can definitely be a contributing factor. A lack of sleep may increase cortisol in the body, and that can make it more difficult to lose weight, even if you are careful with your diet and exercise routine. Instead of automatically deciding that your new diet is a failure, consider taking a careful look at your sleep schedule. It may be to blame if you're gaining (or having trouble losing) weight.

Your Sleep Pattern is Consistent

Most people who are getting enough sleep have a consistent sleep pattern that they follow. They get up around the same time each day, even when they don't have to, and they also go to bed around the same time every night. That consistency helps ensure that they sleep enough, and that they will be more likely to avoid some of the problems that come with a widely varied sleep schedule.

You Have Energy Throughout the Day

When you get enough sleep, you have enough energy to move through your day. You don't have to take a nap in the afternoon, or go to sleep early because you need to get caught up. Instead, you have a good energy level for the activities you normally do. How much sleep you really need will depend on how active you are, since it takes more energy to live a very active lifestyle than a sedentary one.

You Feel Like You're Getting Enough Sleep

If you are always wishing you could get more sleep, that's most likely your body trying to tell you something. Instead of wishing for sleep, finding a way to make it happen is important. If you listen carefully to your body, it will tell you what you need to know about your health - and that includes whether you're sleeping enough or if it's time for more. It's not always easy to find ways to get more sleep, especially if you have a hectic schedule, but it's worth the effort to make the time for sleeping. Your body needs the right level of rest for optimal health.