Too little sleep may lead to weight gain and may be linked to diabetes, depression, heart health and more. 

We know sleep is important. Yet many Americans are still bragging about their sleep deprivation like it is a competition to see who can get by fewer zzzzzzs. However, getting by on too little sleep can make you groggy, grouchy, interfere with your ability to focus and make you generally less effective during the day. Plus, insufficient sleep is also tied to a number of diseases and conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression.

How much sleep do you need? 

So how much is enough? According to the CDC, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night but kids need more.

Tips for better sleep:

• Stick to a sleep schedule going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
• Be sure your bedroom is like a cave: quiet, dark and cool
• Use your bed for sleeping only, not surfing the internet, watching TV or reading
• Remove all gadgets with lights on them from your bedroom. Even those little LED lights can interrupt sleep.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and intense exercise before bed as all can interfere with sleep (caffeine should be avoided several hours prior to exercise).

If you are one of the many people who suffer from insomnia, there are several treatment options you should consider. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about your sleep concerns.  Some have found that taking a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement with magnesium at bedtime does lead to a better night's sleep.