It almost feels like being tired every day is just part of being an adult. If you ask someone how they’re doing, they could be doing either good or bad. Whether they’re one or the other, they’ll also almost always be tired as well. Forever thinking about a nap, and hitting the bed at the end of the day. Even our alarm clocks may sound like monsters in the morning.
But is this normal? Some behaviors may indeed be those “parts of being an adult, or just having responsibilities”, but others may be signs that you aren’t getting enough rest. Research shows that sleep is commonly found to be a major underlying health risk behavior leading to other chronic conditions. Here are some signs that may be telling you, you need more sleep!
That alarm being your worst nightmare
When the alarm goes off, that doesn’t mean you need to jump right out of bed like you just won the lottery. Snoozing over and over is a little something different. If it’s difficult to get out of bed without snoozing for ten plus minutes, you may not be getting enough sleep. Hitting the sack a little earlier, may make getting up that much better.
Coffee is just as much a necessity as water
A cup of joe in the morning is a great way to give you that little extra boost that’s necessary to get throughout the day. Another around early afternoon may even be necessary for some. Those that need a cup to keep them awake throughout the whole day, may need to consider getting more sleep. If you constantly need aid to get you through the day, your body isn’t getting the rest it needs to do so naturally. Try moving a little more throughout the day. It’s a way to get your adrenaline going and keep you awake.
Naps are like a part-time job
Naps are a great way to quickly destress the mind and body and recharge. If you feel like you need a nap every day to function, there may be a problem. Also, if you’re getting the right amount of sleep every night (according to your age), and still feel the need to nap that may even be a sign to bring to a doctor.
These are just a couple of signs to keep into consideration, but remember sleep is critical! The next time it’s your fifth time hitting the snooze button or you’re on your fifth cup of coffee before 2 pm, it may be time to consider getting a couple of extra hours of sleep.
Written by GUADS member Toni, with contributions from dailyburn.com