Stay Rested with Wellness Wednesday

Happy Wellness Wednesday!

Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.

Get your rest, and feel your best!

Sleep is an important part of our overall well-being. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most individuals over the age of 18 need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. However, it’s all about quality over quantity. Let’s learn how we can sleep better!

Why is it important?

Getting the proper amount of sleep has shown to be just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Here are some of the reasons sleep is important for your overall health:

Good sleep improves concentration and problem-solving skills
Poor sleep increases the risk of heart disease and stroke
Good sleep improves immune function
Poor sleep negatively affects blood sugar and insulin sensitivity

Then, why am I always tired?

The good news is you are not the only one feeling a little worn out! About a third of healthy teens, adults, and older individuals report feeling fatigued. Fatigue is a common symptom of certain diseases; however, it can be a result of lifestyle factors, so don’t panic! Here are some common reasons:

Eating too many processed foods cause a spike in blood sugar, causing a spike in insulin production to place the sugar into your cells. Eating whole foods, like vegetables, can keep your energy stable.
You might be replacing water with energy drinks. While energy drinks provide a quick boost, they tend to set you up to crash once the effects wear off. Try limiting your consumption and replace it with water to prevent dehydration.
You are feeling more stressed than usual – and let’s be honest, who isn’t? With the pandemic, an upcoming election, and social injustice, it’s all pretty draining. Stress management techniques can help reduce stress and help you feel better.

What about Melatonin?

Melatonin is the hormone that helps you sleep! Your body naturally produces it to regulate your circadian rhythm. Even though your body creates it, it’s also widely used as an over-the-counter treatment sleep aid for those struggling with falling or staying asleep – especially in those living with anxiety or experiencing jet lag. However, supplements like OTC melatonin are unregulated by the FDA. While it’s generally safe to take for short-term usage, however, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor before using melatonin to prevent dependency and interactions with other medications. In the meantime, click here for more tips on how to get a good night’s rest!