REFLECTIONS

“I’m tired. Good night.”

What is a five-letter word that will make all of us feel better? It’s SLEEP.

It seems like we all have our internal alarm clocks set at a certain time. My favorite sleep number is 8. I can sometimes get by with 6-7 hours. I also wake up 2-3 times during the night.

I don’t always get a good night’s sleep, and that is called sleep deprivation.

Go to the Internet and learn more about living with sleep deprivation. A common myth is that people can learn to get by on little sleep with no negative effects. However, research shows that getting enough quality sleep at the right times is vital for mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.

The Internet can help you deal with your sleep deprivation.

Sleep deficiency is a broader concept. It occurs if you have one or more of the following:

• You don't get enough sleep (sleep deprivation)
• You sleep at the wrong time of day
• You don't sleep well or get all the different types of sleep your body needs
• You have a sleep disorder that prevents you from getting enough sleep or causes poor-quality sleep

Sleeping is a basic human need, like eating, drinking, and breathing. Like these other needs, sleeping is vital for good health and well-being throughout your lifetime.

As I have gotten older, I have become accustomed to taking “quickie naps” or “power naps.” A relative of mine has the right idea. He tries to schedule a nap at a regular time of the day.

It works. Dr. Laura Bennett, a clinical psychologist who’s studied human stress and behavior for over 15 years, says certain sleep aids also work.

She suggests avoiding the giant 4K TV that keeps you up late and the latest smartphone that steals your focus and says headphones can quiet your mind, and a smartwatch tracks your stress.