Have you ever been told you've woken up on the wrong side of the bed? Getting enough sleep is vital to a positive mood and having enough energy to attend to your daily tasks. But did you know that when you suffer from poor sleep, you can put yourself at risk for severe medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes? Good sleep hygiene is crucial for a healthy and long life.

Adults should aim to rest at least seven to nine hours at night. To ensure quality sleep, limit all caffeine intake after 2 PM. Establish a bedtime routine and be consistent each night so your body can grow accustomed to it. Make sure your room is dark, cool, and comfortable so you can rest well. Limit the use of all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime, so it doesn't interfere with your natural rest patterns.

If you get good sleep each night, you’ll reduce your chances of developing serious illnesses. You’ll also boost your overall wellness. Here are a few health problems that good sleep helps prevent!

There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep. ~ Homer

Yesterday, I returned home from a seven-day trip to Ireland.  It was an absolutely wonderful get-away to a mystically beautiful country with some of the warmest and friendliest people I've met. The ancient land whispers to you and I’m honored to have been embraced by her beauty. I had the time of my life, but I am so very glad to be back home in my own house, surrounded by my children and the peace of a loving home. After a week of me time I’m filled with gratitude and ready to resume my own daily rhythms once again.

Travel always takes its toll. That's why travel and travail share the same root word! For me, the differences in time zones always disrupts my already fragile sleep patterns. The first few days into any overseas trip are rough. Then, just when I start to get some balance back, it's time to head home and repeat the process all over again. It always reminds me of how important sleep is to our overall physical, mental, and spiritual health.

A Good Night’s Sleep

Millions of Americans of all ages are affected by sleep problems — many with severe, chronic sleep deprivation. A round-the-clock, activity-driven society has meant that many individuals habitually defer sleep to get other things done. "I'll catch up later" is, however, easier said than done. Recent research indicates that pervasive sleep deprivation can lead to more serious health problems than just a dull, clouded feeling the next morning — including obesity, high blood pressure and diminished resistance to infections. While there is substantial awareness about the need for proper nutrition and exercise, many people tend to shrug off lack of sleep as not being of much consequence, and, as a result, go through life with both mind and body always performing at less than optimal levels.

The Ayurvedic Perspective

According to The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians, sleep is one of the supporting pillars of life. Along with diet, sleep is critical to good health and well-being. Quality sleep acts as a rejuvenator of mind and body, enabling us to function at peak levels during our waking hours. Even powerful medicine is of little use if the fundamental pillars of life are not strong and solid.

Sleep is important because it enhances ojas — considered in ayurveda to be the master coordinator between mind, body and the inner self. Ojas is the finest product of digestion, the main life-supporting force within the body. It acts like a shock absorber, helping to insulate the mind from day-to-day stress and enhancing the body’s innate immune systems.

How many articles have you seen lately about getting a good night’s sleep? A lot, I daresay. That’s because it affects us all and any of us can fall prey to insomnia at any time.

Don’t we all wish we could sleep like a baby again?

Lack of sleep can do more than just make us cranky and reach for a cup of coffee. It can make us crazy and it can make us sick.

Our body depends on sleep to repair and regenerate. Without it, we’re vulnerable to a host of illnesses too long to list here.

And forget looking and feeling our best. It just doesn’t happen without a good night’s sleep.