Why it is Important That We Get the Right Kind of Sleep

The right amount of sleep makes the difference in our health, our mental clarity and what we are able to accomplish in our day. This is vital as the rainmakers for our businesses.

The most important time for us to sleep is called “the golden four”, the hours between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am. These hours are the most important to get sound sleep in order to produce growth hormones. We cannot trick our bodies; our circadian rhythm naturally follows the cycle of sunrise and sunset. We cannot go to sleep late and wake up late and get the same results of health and rejuvenation.

During these four hours of sleep, our body produces the most growth hormones and uses them for growth and repair. These growth hormones help improve mood and memory, regenerate heart tissue, improve muscle mass and reduce fat (yes, you can sleep it off). Skin and hair growth improves and vision is sharpened, cholesterol levels improve and bone density improves. Overall cell regeneration improves, which affects the immune system. Without this process of regeneration, the aging process accelerates. Young children need these hours of sleep for their growth. For adults it can decrease the risk of degenerative disease.

Have you ever fallen asleep in front of the TV, then wakeup to go to bed? You lie there wide-awake after your short nap and it takes hours to get back to sleep. This is the worst pattern I can think of for sleep. Giving sleep the respect it needs makes a huge difference in the energy you will have the next day and the kind of results you get in your business and personal life.

What we can do to improve our sleep:
Do not eat for 2-3 hours before bed
Turn off all electronics 60 minutes before you want to be asleep
​Spend time in bed reading to help keep your mind from thinking about your to do list or the day's events
Choose a time to go to sleep that

you optimum hours for your best energy levels
Do not have any source of light in the bedroom, clocks included

Enjoy your sleep and all it does for you!

​Author: Kathleen Dorson