Sleep the American Mirage

Sleep seems to be one of the main things being sacrificed in today's fast paced must see results now days. The 2009 National Sleep foundation poll reported that Americans are sleeping on average 6.7 hours per day this is less than the recommended 7-9 hours that the average adult should be getting. But why is it that we are getting so much less sleep these days?

The first and most obvious answer would be stress. With the economy, still not recovering well jobs still at a low and being in danger and homes still being lost it is no wonder we are not sleeping. Add to that the fact that society has become 24-7. This can be seen everywhere you look with gas stations, grocery stores and fast food joints being just some of the things that stay open it is easier for anyone who wants to be up late into the night. With jobs being in danger, people are putting in longer and longer hours at work or taking their work home with them. In addition, when they can finally lay their weary heads down to sleep on a pillow the brain will not shut off, thinking of bills and any number of other stresses. Simply put we are too stressed out and to caffeinated.

Even our teenagers are getting less sleep because of their own stresses. Weather it is the need to succeed in school or family troubles at home teens are drinking more energy drinks than any other age group. The worst thing about the caffeine laden energy drinks is that the caffeine comes from several sources and makes it almost impossible to tell just how much the drinks contain. Because of all the caffeine and sugars in each drink Teenagers and young Adults can easily be caught in a cycle of sugar high and crash. Many of the drinks also contain B vitamins and when taken in large doses can cause numbness in the hands and feet and rapid heartbeat, begging to ask why are these drinks even on the market and not regulated more? A recent study from the poison control center showed that a large number of calls were from young people getting sick from drinking to much caffeine.

So what are we supposed to do about these issues? There really is no easy fix to all the things that are keeping America's Adults and Teenagers awake at night but there are some steps you can take to try to get into a healthier sleep pattern. For Teens, parents need to keep a closer eye on their caffeine levels and energy drink intake. Encourage healthier ways of getting energy like drinking natural Orange Juice or even a little exercise when they are feeling groggy over their schoolwork. Even the simple act of setting time aside each day to speak with your teen about their school and what stresses they may have can help easy the mind and get them to sleep better at night.

For the stressed out sleep deprived adults of America the best thing to do is to sit back take a breath and relax. Always easier said than done of course but you truly do n need to tell yourself that if you are burning the candle at both ends you are opening yourself up to getting sick or doing a less than stellar job during work hours. If you have to take your work home with you set time limits. Do not drink caffeine after a certain hour so that your body is not hyped up on the drug. If your mind will not shut off look up breathing exercises and mental games that, you can do to relax your body and your mind to sleep. If your sleeplessness continues for long periods, it is recommended you speak to your doctor. Not getting a proper amount of sleep can be a very serious medical problem. No matter what is causing you to lose sleep make sure you take it seriously and always take care of yourself first.