There has been a great deal of news recently that we are one big sleep deprived nation! Well, that is not really news. I think we know that. But, what we have to recognize is that lack of sleep doesn't just make us grumpy, it causes health issues. For women, just this week we learned that lack of sleep may be tied to heart health. For kids, we are all aware that lack of sleep is connected to poor school performance.
So, time to wake up and take action! How? Great question and the National Sleep Foundation has just the solution: The Great American Sleep Challenge.
Last week, the National Sleep Foundation actually hosted National Sleep Awareness Week ....and most of us missed it. I think I was just to darn sleep deprived to catch the news and Daylight Savings this past Saturday has only made the situation worse. Isn't it amazing how one missed hour of sleep can have such an impact on how we function? It is no wonder that we are all zombies most days! Clearly this is why the java and tea industries are thriving...and why for most major presents my family opts for coffee or coffee gizmos!
The Great American Sleep Challenge is really an awareness campaign and the information on the website is valuable whether you take the full challenge or not. But, if you do sign up for the challenge, there are incentives and prizes along the way to keep you motivated.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, “(b)y taking the Sleep Challenge you can:
• Improve the quality of your life! Sleep problems are far reaching – impacting relationships, health, productivity at work and even driving skills
• Get the most from your sleep – It's as important as diet and exercise (only easier!)
• Understand the causes of sleepiness and fatigue and how they impact your life
• Get help – if you think you may have a sleep problem, take the printable sleep journal to your physician or sleep clinic
• Win a prize! By joining the Sleep Challenge you'll be entered in a raffle with a chance to win!”
I found some interesting information on the site about the link between sleep and performance as well as sleep and health. Click here to learn more. .
So, whether you take the full challenge or just read a bit to get more informed, this site is worth spending some time on and can only benefit you and your kids. We have nothing to loose but gained sleep!
