Sleep and Water: Two important little things for your life

Neglecting seemingly small things in your life can take a major toll on your overall health. The negative effects can sneak up on you. It doesn’t even take much to make the proper adjustments.

Sleep
Why do we need it?
Sleep is restorative. It’s the only time of the day when your body can concentrate all of its energy on itself—doing whatever it needs to repair and prepare. That explains why when you’re sick, you sleep more.


What happens when we don't get it?
Lack of sleep results in problems concentrating, poor performance on the job and in school, decreased muscle development, slowed reparation of neurons, increased accidents, lower immunity to sickness, and possibly weight gain! "Sleeplessness, whether it's the result of a sleep disorder or an overextended lifestyle, invites diminished quality of life and deteriorating health."

How much do we need? How can we get what we need? >>

Water
Why do we need it?

Water is nature's cure-all substance for the body. It contributes to controlled appetite, clear skin, improved metabolism, better memory, flexibility, temperature regulation, and a host of other good things. “All biochemical connections [which is basically everything your body does] throughout the body either occur in water or use water as a conduit.” It's your body's natural lubricant and elixer.


If you don't drink it, your body suffers tremendously. Susan Kleiner,Ph.D., R.D., author of Power Eating, says, “By the time you get thirsty, your body is already about 2% low on water. Losing just 1-2 percent of your body weight in fluid can lower your physical and mental performance by up to 20%.” This is known as chronic mild dehydration, and it can negatively affect every bodily function. Headaches and lethargy are common symptoms of chronic mild dehydration.

How much do we need? How can we get what we need? >>