by Sara A Broers

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Getting enough sleep is a major problem for most Americans. With the standard guideline of eight hours of sleep each night, many Americans struggle through the next day. Once you recognize that your body needs the recommended eight hours of sleep each night, you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Yes, sleep is important when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. The following five culprits are ways many Americans lose much needed sleep each night. With a little common sense and realizing the importance of getting those important 40 winks each night, your body will thank you!

CAFFEINE

Drinking an occasional caffeinated beverage in the evening hours can quickly take away a couple of your 40 winks. Many of us enjoy a soda, coffee, or fitness drink after a long day in the workplace. By setting a limit as to the amount of caffeine you will consume after 6:00 p.m., you will be on your way to a sounder night of sleep.

MATTRESS ISSUES

If you have a bumpy, saggy mattress, chances are you are losing another couple of your 40 winks of sleep each evening. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to follow your instincts. If you have an achy back upon rising in the morning, it is probably time to invest in a new mattress. Be sure to spend at least 15 minutes resting on the mattress in the store. By finding a mattress that fills good to your body, you will be on your way to getting all 40 winks in each night.

ROOM TEMPERATURE

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that your room temperature be no greater than 75 degrees farenheit or below 54 degrees farenheit. Somewhere in between, you should find your comfort zone. If you live in an extreme climate, be sure you have ample heating and cooling elements in place. A sweaty or shivering body is a sure way to lose another couple of those 40 winks.

ROOM LIGHTING

Our bodies work like clockwork when it comes to the so called, "light factor." When the sun is shining through our windows, it is much easier to drag ourselves out of our cozy beds. It is during the dark, dreary days of winter that many people struggle with that initial step out of bed each morning. So, what is a person to do? Once your alarm clock goes off, set a light with a timer to shine directly at you. This will wake you! Maybe you are a person that struggles with unwanted light. This is where an investment in a window treatment with room darkening features will benefit you, in regards to your 40 winks!

BEDROOM DISTRACTIONS

Computers and television sets are two of the biggest distractions that most of us have in our bedrooms. A quick way to lose a couple of those 40 winks is to watch a movie full of suspense at 9:00 p.m. For some people, the easiest way to deal with the temptation is to remove the distractions from the bedroom.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is difficult in today's world. We all lead extremely busy lives and seem to think we can do it all. In all reality, our health starts through a good night of sleep. So, slow down on the caffeine, invest in a healthy mattress, keep the room temperature comfortable, invest in appropriate lighting for your needs, and remove any distractions from your bedroom! By paying attention to these five sleep sabotaging factors, you will be on your way to a healthier you.

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