Getting Adequate Rest and Rejuvenation

New Sleep Study -- Can it Help Us?
Recently there was a study that came out that talked about how our bodies don't need a continuous 8 hours worth of sleep.  I found it intriguing.  The subjects were in a sleep lab and "naturally" woke up after sleeping for about 4 hours, were up and about for a couple of hours, and then went back to bed for another 4 hours or so.  Maybe that is "natural" (if we were back in the caveman age), but who can tell when we are so gauged by the clock and time?  Even if it's natural, it's quite difficult to sleep that way because we all have constraints (or at least most of us do anyway) on our time.

I'm Still Going to Sleep for 8 Hours Straight Through
Is it "unhealthy" to sleep for 8 hours straight through?  To me, the point is to be aware of a natural sleep cycle, but I can't segment a 10 hour portion of a 24 hour day and go to bed for 4 hours, magically wake up for 2, and then go back to sleep for 4 hours.  Maybe that is the rhythm that the subjects got into after some time, but I have to balance out my normal life.  That's what life is about, balance.  If you can afford to sleep in this natural way, more power to you -- do it!

Everyone Needs Enough and Quality Sleep
I'm not underestimating the importance of getting adequate rest and rejuvenation.  That is very important. The trick is how to balance it out with everything else.  My takeaway from the study is that I'm going to try to get to bed earlier, not have so many distractions before bedtime (electronics, and other things that keep me from getting to bed on time).  I'm going to try not to eat before bedtime, and I'm going to continue taking naps on the weekends when I get a chance!  Nothing good comes when you are burning the candle at both ends (going to bed late and getting up early).

Be More Conscientious, and do Something at Least to Improve Your Sleep
I'm sticking to my continuous 8 hours, but I will be more conscientious about getting more quality sleep.  I just got a new mattress made from all natural latex.  That has helped my sleep tremendously.  It has done wonders to help me not toss and turn at night and to make me feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud, while at the same time not feeling like I'm sinking into a hole.  Whatever you can do to improve your sleep, whether it is making sure that there is no light in your room so it's completely dark (LCD and digital displays do affect your sleep and melatonin levels), getting the kids read to and to sleep on time, or changing out your mattress is a step in the right direction.  Just do something that improves your sleep and see what difference it makes in your energy levels and waking life in general!