Sleep deprived?

Sleep deprivation, no matter the reason is one of the major leading causes of depression. This week wasn’t the best week. I found myself overly moody, wanting to stay inside more, and so very tired.

Sleep deprivation causes these feelings that, with time, can grow to be very intense and life altering. Did you know that no matter how it’s done, when you miss out on even a few hours of sleep, your body will eventually make it up. Whether it’s on a Saturday morning, or a too long nap in the middle of the day, lack of sleep catches up with you and can throw off your sleep schedule more.

So how can we avoid problems like this?

• Go to bed the same time every night. I know that nursing mothers will have more of a problem with this, but try. Getting yourself on a regular schedule is the first step to regulating your sleep patterns.
• Wake up early, and the same time every day. Other than maybe one day a week, try not to oversleep. But on the same note, don’t get up unless you’ve had at least six, preferably eight hours of sleep.
• Stop with the caffeine. Research indicates that to get the caffiene out of your system in order to keep sleep patterns, all sugary drinks must be stopped after Noon.
• Exercise. People who regularly exercise have less problems with restlessness, insomnia, and restless leg disorder.