Health

Sleep professionals tell us the average adult needs seven to nine hours sleep every single day in order to stay healthy. However, they don’t specify the preferred sleeping shifts, its just assumed the early bird gets the worm preference.

I am definitely a sleep advocate. I love to sleep, but not at night. I prefer bedtime around 3:00 am, but my current lifestyle allows a late wakeup time, usually around 11:00. It seems completely natural for my internal clock and seems productive for me, however everyone is wired differently.

Here are 6 benefits to burning the midnight oil

1. REM sleep is more accessible for night owls.
When night owls do submit to sleep, it’s much easier to get REM sleep faster.

2. Night Workers are more creative people.
Research reveals that night owls who stay up late are able to apply non-conventional alternatives to solve issues more efficiently than early risers.

3. Night Owls score higher on the basic intelligence test.
However, the early birds counterparts usually get better grades.

4. No one is usually up to distract you.
Concentration flows better with fewer interruptions, no delivery trucks or visitors. And usually social media messaging slows to a halt late at night, most of the world is sleeping.

5. Sweet Freedom of no obligation.
There are no doctors appointments scheduled after midnight and most social events are usually over before midnight.

6. The Internet.
In case you didn’t know, the internet slows drastically after 3:00 am making a fast connection readily available. You can zoom from site to site.

No need to feel strange or weird to be wide awake when most people are sleeping anymore. Embrace your difference and take full advantage of the extra time, open the blinds and enjoy the beautiful night sky.

Are you up all night, is it by choice or insomnia? There is a difference in people who are “insomniacs” and people who are “nocturnal”. How have you taken advantage of your body’s internal clock? Do you wish you were part of the early bird gang?

Happy Trails
Donna George

Summer is here, temperatures are rising and HYDRATION is important. Water is our ENERGY source, it’s in our tissues, organs, and cells. Keep in mind our bodies are 50 -70% water naturally. The variation depends on male or female, healthy or sick, DNA genetics and history.

When we drink water our bodies naturally perk up and function healthy. Without enough hydration, it’s possible to become dehydrated with symptoms of fatigue and sluggishness. In some cases of dehydration, more serious issues can occur like severe cramping and strokes.

Yes I know, some people prefer soda or tea over the taste of the clear liquid. If you are one of these who prefer the cola, a sensible options would be to eat foods with high water content like melons, celery, tomatos and broth soups. Actually, there are several fruits in the supermarket containing 50% water content.

HOW TO DRINK MORE WATER

keep a glass pitcher on the counter or your work desk full of ice water and lemons to keep your eyes motivated and your tongue tart

only drink water with your meals, skip the soda and spare the calories

keep a six-pack of water in the back seat of your vehicle

always carry a thermal glass of ice water with you

create a cute basket of water flavor assortments and packets you can’t resist

keep a water bottle on your night stand by your bed

choosing water is less expensive than other choices

search out and consume foods with high water content

NOT EXCITED YET – HERE ARE A FEW MOTIVATING FACTS CONCERNING WHY WE NEED TO DRINK MORE WATER

* keeps our joints moving freely

* increases efficiency of the immune system

* energizes food – so the food can supply the body with energy

* when water reaches a cell it brings oxygen and forces the gases out to the lungs

* water prevents clogging of the arteries in the heart and the brain

* increases the shine in your eyes and hair, greatly improves skin hydration

* necessary to regulate body temperature

* without it, eventually death

Go ahead and take the plunge, commit to drinking more water, and be careful not to set a goal that’s unreasonable. Start your water regiment out with small changes in week 1 and by week 3 requiring more discipline from yourself. I would suggest begin having water as the only optional beverage at mealtime and by week 3, set an alternative beverage limit for yourself, example only 1 soda per day.

In return, your body will work harder for you causing you to feel more energetic, look better. and ready for the dog days of summer ahead.