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Great Reasons to Get More Sleep!
Before Edison invented the light bulb, Americans slept about ten hours a night. In the age of the iPod we’re getting, on an average, less than seven hours of sack time! Something is wrong with this picture … or … maybe it’s my alarm clock that’s the real problem. My alarm clock, my cell phone, my computer, AND my iPod -- sometimes I can’t help but think that Edison had it better in the pre-light-bulb days, and he should have left well enough alone…
Did you know that nearly 50% of Americans say they don’t get enough sleep? That’s a lot of people waking up on the wrong side of the bed every morning! According to the official website for The Better Sleep Council, we’re a tired, cranky nation that needs a nap! According to the CDC 50-70 million people in the U.S. are affected by chronic sleep disorders. On top of that, in March of this year the CDC labeled “lack of sleep” an epidemic in America.
What’s scary is the way we’re coping! We over use caffeine and energy drinks in order to stay awake and alert all day, because we didn’t sleep well last night. And when we come home from a hard day at work, we relax and unwind with a drink, or pop a couple of sleeping pills in order to doze off! That’s just sick!
Maybe you’re saying, “What’s the big deal about getting more sleep? Edison only slept four hours a night, and he was a genius!” That might be true--and I’m certainly not belittling his work as an inventor--but I sometimes wonder how much more he would have accomplished if he’d slept eight hours a night instead of only four. Sounds a little crazy, doesn’t it? A little backwards? Are you wondering, “How could anyone get MORE accomplished if they slept a few extra hours a night?” About ten percent of us are hardwired to need less sleep than the recommended 7-8 hours per night. I guess Thomas Edison was one of the lucky ones, but ninety percent of us still need at least seven hours each night in order to function well.
Studies done by the National Sleep Foundation revealed sleep disorders are estimated to cost Americans over $100 billion annually; that includes costs generated by lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, and property and environmental damage. We’re paying a hefty price for not getting enough shut-eye. And without sufficient sleep and a well-rested body, you can’t function well … and you certainly can’t expect to connect with your spiritual side, or receive a divine message for your life’s path, if you can hardly stay awake through a business meeting!
Lets not forget what God said in Psalm 127:2, “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives sleep to his loved ones.” I think that is the secret to a good nights sleep! If we keep our eyes focused on him and our mind fixed on his plan sleep problems would be a thing of the past.