January 3rd is Festival of Sleep Day

January 3rd is Festival of Sleep Day. This obscure holiday is becoming better known with each passing year. Little is known of its origins or when it was first celebrated. It's assumed that this unofficial Holiday was created for people seeking rest and relaxation after Christmas shopping and New Year celebrations.

How to Celebrate the Festival of Sleep Day:

Unlike most holidays centering on gatherings or celebrations, Festival of Sleep Day revolves around rest and relaxation. It is an opportunity to sleep in, be lazy, doze, or nap for 20 minutes, 8 hours or the entire day. Sleep alone, with teddy or a favorite. Even cuddle up with a friend if you wish. The idea is to get recharged for the new year.

As we well know from our parents' warnings, you won't grow if you don't receive your proper rest. Sleep is needed for longevity, and is important for both the brain and the body. Did you know that people could actually survive longer without food than they can without sleep? Sleep is important for concentration, memory formation and the repair of damage to your body's cells during the day. Chronic lack of sleep increases the risk for developing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and infections.

According to kidshealth.org:

Sleep allows your brain a chance to sort things out. Scientists think that this is the time when the brain sorts and stores information, replaces chemicals, and solves problems.

The amount of sleep a person needs depends a lot on his age. Missing one night's sleep can make a person cranky, but missing more can lead to things much worse! If you've ever watched old war movies where soldiers were deprived of sleep you may recall that the longer a person goes without sleep the problems his brain and body will have doing their normal functions. He may begin hallucinating and eventually his body stops receiving direction from his brain altogether!(http://longevity.about.com/od/sleep/a/sleep_benefits.htm)

About.com lists other reasons we should look forward to grabbing some shut eye:

1. Keeps Your Heart Healthy

2. May Prevent Cancer

3. Reduces Stress

4. Reduces Inflammation

5. Makes You More Alert

6. Bolsters Your Memory

7. May Help You Lose Weight

8. Naps Make You Smarter

9. Reduce Your Risk for Depression

10. Helps the Body Make Repairs

Free Ecards:

No matter what our reason is for celebrating Festival of Sleep Day we can share in the celebration by snoozing and sending a free Ecard to your friends and family!