Source: Digital Sandman Sleep Support Program

I know you've noticed that over the last several decades there has been a massive decline in the amount of sleep we get and the quality of it.

In New York City businesses are thriving that offer people a cubicle where they can go take a nap during their lunch hour!

Millions of people have resorted to popping pills (42 million prescriptions were filled in 2005) and these folks are taking their chances with the nasty side effects in the pursuit of proper rest. These millions of people – does that include you? – are putting their health, quality of life and even the expected length of their life in serious jeopardy.

You probably don’t need a well-rested writer to tell you that sleep deprivation isn’t fun. But you may not realize exactly how much deeper this problem runs and how much more significant the impact is on your life.

How to Live a Longer, Healthier Life

Four out of every ten Americans get less that seven hours of sleep per night and it’s taking a toll. “The link between sleep and health, and bad sleep and disease is becoming clearer and clearer,” says Lawrence Epstein, MD.

We appreciate the good doctor’s trusted advice, but do we really need scientific studies to tell us this? If you feel terrible from a lack of sleep, do you think that’s GOOD for your health? This is just plain common sense. Of course not.

In Readers Digest, Phyllis Zee, MD tells us “When people are sleep-deprived, there are higher levels of stress hormones in their bodies and an increase in inflammation, both of which can decrease immune function.”

While the amount of sleep people get has declined, the incidences of high blood pressure have increased. Here’s a fact: blood pressure and heart rate are typically lowest during sleep; people who get less sleep tend to have high blood pressure. All this tends to lead to increased risk of heart attack, diabetes, weight gain and a laundry list of other problems.

Plus, research also shows that a lack of sleep is seriously inhibiting your immune system which means you're more likely to get sick - and often.

Read what Jane E. Brody wrote in The New York Times

"No one questions the value of a good night's sleep. Whether you are biologically programmed to sleep 4 hours, 10 hours, or, like most people, 7 or 8 hours a night, failure to get the amount of sleep you need can impair learning and memory, problem-solving ability, safety, emotional stability, immune defenses, cardiovascular health and even body weight.

Sleep-deprived people tend to be irritable, impatient, moody, unable to cope well with stress and too tired to do the things they enjoy. Their appetite-controlling hormones are disrupted and may lead to overeating and weight gain. Resulting daytime sleepiness can impair work performance and result in accidents."

Who Cares About the Health Benefits...
I Just Want to Look and Feel Better!

People living with a lack of sleep experience more physical ailments, which include headaches, stomach problems, higher blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, abnormal metabolism, increased swelling and inflammation... you get that.

And, it’s no wonder we look – how else can I say it? – we look like hell, like death warmed over when we don’t get proper sleep.

One of the reasons points to growth hormones – they’re essential to keeping you looking great as your grow older. Growth hormones are rejuvenating and they help you with better muscle mass, better muscle tone and better skin. Hey, all that adds up to you looking sexy. You want to keep your growth hormones high and the best way to do that is sleep.

Very simply, when you don’t get proper sleep, you don’t look your best, you don’t feel your best, you don’t feel sexy and your relationship (and mental well-being) can suffer.

"In my latest book, Beauty Sleep, I refer to human growth hormone as "Dr. GH" because it's as close to having a cosmetic surgeon on call (and in your pocket) as you're going to get in your life -- without any cutting, nipping, or real tucking necessary. A free asset in all of our bodies that can truly work wonders when we nourish and supports its functions. Which starts and ends with a good night's sleep.

I think we tend to forget about Dr. GH in our daily lives as we check off our To Dos and sacrifice sleep for seemingly getting more done. We resort to countless (need I mention pricey) beauty products, fad diets, day spas, drugs, and over-the-counter lotions and potions."

Dr. Michael Breus, WebMD.com

Wow! So, who knew sleep was so vitally important to your sex life? (It is.)

Who Else Wants to Be Happier and Less Stressed?

More than half of all adults surveyed by the National Sleep Foundation in 2005 said they experienced insomnia at least a few nights per week. Nearly half!

If you ever experienced insomnia, then this probably isn’t news: people with insomnia produce higher rates of stress hormones than others. This puts your body in a hyper-aroused state that can make it more difficult to unwind, relax and sleep.

You can already see where that vicious cycle goes; less sleep, more stress hormone, hyperaroused state, can’t sleep, more stress hormone, more hyperaroused, really can’t sleep . . . I’m going insane here!

If that’s not bad enough, this leads to depression for most people, they forget things they need to get done, they can’t focus, they become overwhelmed . . . all this is depressing, you don’t want to get out bed, answer the phone, deal with the kids, your boss, your spouse (all the same thing really) and that leads to more lost sleep.

How can anyone living like that possibly be happy?

Right. We haven’t found the answer either. Don't bother trying.

Good sleep also leads to:

Building a better brain
Losing a few pounds
Faster healing
A healthier, stronger immune system
More energy
A sense of well-being
The ability to think more clearly and effectively
Increased level of patience
Fewer accidents in the workplace

OK . . . we could go on FOREVER here.

Holothink offers many products designed to help you improve your mental functioning. Their Digital Sandman package covers the full range of sleep issues with tracks including Power Napper, Sleep Support, Overcoming Insomnia and Digital Sandman to help you sleep better (and improve your sex life!).

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