Too much noise and light keeps even a tired man awake. Too many distractions and disturbing thoughts in our minds are also factors that can keep a person’s eyes open when they should be tightly shut at night. Although the body may be ready or more than ready for sleep, the mind will not turn off. Thoughts and worries continue to keep our minds active, which keeps us awake or following us into sleep causing restless sleep, nightmares and disorders.
Not getting enough sleep can make a person feel out of sorts and unfocused. It is almost like a person is one step behind the usual self. It can even make a person feel out of sync with situations and people around them. Every person’s sleep requirements are different, most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep at night, while others can function on as little as 5 hours of sleep.
The amount of sleep a person needs decreases with age. A newborn baby might sleep 20 hours a day. By age four, the average is 12 hours a day. By age 10, the average falls to 10 hours a day. Senior citizens can often get by with six or seven hours a day. A study conducted at the University of Chicago Medical Center suggests...