Back in grade school, they taught us that to grow up strong and healthy, you should eat nutritious foods, exercise, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep. Now that we’re grown, the basic formula for good health remains the same. However, in a world that’s jam-packed with stressful meetings, deadlines, household chores, family obligations and financial responsibilities (not to mention having some semblance of a personal life), it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day to fit it all in. Therefore, when it comes to sleep, many of us decide that’s the area where we should skimp.

While I struggle with healthy eating and exercise, my body simply won’t let me slack on sleep. When I try to get away with less than a full eight hours (or more – apparently I need a lot of zzzs), it’s an absolute train wreck.  For one thing, I’m groggy and require copious amounts of caffeine to function. For another, I’d hate to be the person sitting next to me (a.k.a. my husband), as I’m not exactly the sweetest person during those times. Okay, I’ll admit it – I’m downright cranky. But perhaps worst of all, when I skimp on snoozing for a few of days in a row, I start to come down with a cold or the flu, every time, without fail.

Of course, as I write this, I am running virtually on empty (save for the leftover coffee and tea pumping through my system). But because my body shouts its warning signs so loud and clear, I know that tonight I need to start counting sheep soon, lest I face imminent ailments. So, as the amazing listener that I am, I will heed my body’s counsel and head off to bed shortly.

While I think my body’s reaction to a few missed zzzs is a bit dramatic (and annoying for sure), it’s also a bit comforting, since it’s painfully obvious when disaster is looming. Wouldn’t it also be nice if it could warn me just as plainly that a few more slices of pizza is going to raise my cholesterol? In a way, I know my body does give off those warnings, but they’re more of a whisper than a shout, and by the time I’m in trouble, I’ve already ignored those nagging whispers until they’re simply swirling background noise.

But enough about me. What about you? Do you slack on sleep? How much snoozing do you need to do? And if you skimp, does your body react as “loudly” as mine?  Let me know in the comments below!

Photo Credits: Cover Image – Sanja Gjenero; Inside Image – Gözde Otman