Sleep Shortage: A Silent Life Shortener

Sleep is often overlooked, but it's a big deal. Recent findings show that not getting enough sleep can cut your life short. It's more impactful than diet or exercise. Only smoking has a bigger effect on how long you live.

The Sleep Crisis

Many adults don't get enough sleep. Over a third miss the recommended seven hours each night. Millions suffer from long-term sleep issues. Poor sleep is linked to serious health problems. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Depression

The Wake-Up Call

This study is the first to show how sleep affects life expectancy across the US. It's a wake-up call to prioritize sleep. But getting enough sleep isn't always easy. Here are some tricks to help you snooze faster.

Techniques to Fall Asleep Faster

1. Cognitive Shuffling

   • Like shuffling a deck of cards but with your thoughts.
   • Pick a word and think of others that start with the same letters.
   • Distracts your mind and helps you relax.

2. Voodoo Eye Method

   • Move your eyes in different directions while keeping them closed.
   • A simple form of therapy that calms your body.

3. Alpha Bridge Method

   • Developed by the US Navy.
   • Helps boost brain waves that calm your mind.
   • Count to 30 with your eyes closed, then open them slightly, and repeat.

4. Cognitive Offloading

   • Write a short to-do list before bed.
   • Dump your worries onto paper.
   • Makes it easier to fall asleep.

5. Pre-Dreaming

   • Picture a relaxing scene to slow down your anxious thoughts.
   • Focuses your mind on visualization, helping you drift off to sleep.