Healthy Habits

Rest

Health Factors Diet Exercise Rest Tobacco use Alcohol use Stress management Periodic examinations Vaccinations Safety

Adequate rest is critical to good health. Many of us do not get enough sleep. In fact, the average American gets one hour less sleep per night than a body needs.

Poor sleep habits contribute to failing school and job performance, accidents, memory loss, mental health problems, physical diseases and weight gain.

Go to bed and get up about the same time each day. Relax for 30 to 60 minutes before going to bed. Avoid alcohol and caffeine within several hours of bedtime.

To help you awaken in the morning, get up, get moving and get some sunlight exposure. If you can't sleep, get out of bed and do something relaxing. Remember, your bed should be a place to sleep, not a place to read or watch television.

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