Six Steps to a Healthier You-Restful Sleep

Whether you want healthy, beautiful skin, healthy hair, healthy and strong muscles, or a healthy and lean body; the answer seems to be the same:

-plenty of restful sleep
-plenty of exercise
-plenty of fresh air and sunshine
-plenty of healthy, wholesome foods
-plenty of relaxation
-plenty of joyful living

I want to talk to you about the first healthy requirement: Restful Sleep. It’s important to ask yourself if you are getting enough sleep, and if you are getting it at the right time. You may be getting eight hours of sleep a night. But if you are beginning those eight hours after you have stayed too late and exhausted yourself, they still won’t bring you the necessary, restful sleep you need to be at your peak. If you stay up to the point of exhaustion; then when you finally do get to sleep, the first few hours of sleep will be when you body is unwinding and not really ready for deep sleep. We don’t often think of this, but our body requires a “warm-up” before sleep just as it requires a warm-up before exercising. Additionally, the brain rejuvenates only during sleep.
As much as possible, get into the habit of getting enough good, restful sleep by establishing a regular routine of retiring at the same time in the evening, and awakening at the same time every morning. Studies have shown that sleeping just a few hours less every night for a week can have dramatic effects on the body. For more helpful information see the article at http://www.worldimage.com/blog/archives/000034_importance_of_sleep.html.

Most people think getting adequate sleep is a good thing, but most don’t realize how important it is. Sleep is not a luxury, it is a necessity. We cannot function properly without adequate sleep. We might be healthy in every other way, exercising and eating wisely, etc. But if we’re tired all the time, those other things are less effective, less beneficial. Lack of sleep can effect how we think, how we perform, how and how quickly we react. Sufficient sleep will help you improve your memory, and decrease depression symptoms. Another excellent article can be found at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/starslp/parents/whysleep.htm.

As you can see, sleep is important to every aspect of our health. For healthier skin, hair, muscles, body, and attitude; go to bed early tonight. You’ll be glad you did.

Check back next week for information on the importance of exercise. I wish you harmony, health, and happiness.


Terry Christensen is an expert in the area of natural health care, natural skin care products, and other natural products. Being healthy should not just be a goal; it should be our way of life. Step by step we can improve ourselves, attain greater health, and joy fuller lives, and share with others. Learn more at http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/