By Suzie Lee

In the 21st century, people’s lives have become so busy they sacrifice at least one thing to maintain their routines–sleep.

    Among the college students, there is a popular myth called “The 2 Out of 3 Myth”: People have to choose two of the three–getting enough sleep, having a social life, or getting good grades because they will never have time for all three.

    Most people decide to choose grades and social life over getting a good sleep; sleep is underrated by many people even though it is proved as an important health factor.

    Celebrating its annual Sleep Awareness Week, March 11 to 17, 2018, the National Sleep Foundation is  highlighting the theme of “Begin with Sleep,” which assures the importance of good sleep health for individuals to best achieve their life goals.

    “Begin with Sleep” has the meaning of each day starts out by having a great sleep when others mostly think sleeping as the last routine of the day.

    For teenagers, the recommended sleep hour by The National Sleep Foundation is eight to ten hours, and they strongly suggest to sleep no less than seven hours.

    Adults need at least seven hours or more to promote optimal health and well-being; however, many adults are not sleeping the recommended time.

     According to news.gallup.com, 59% of the adult get seven or more hours of sleep at night but 40% get less than seven hours of sleep.

    The National Sleep Foundation suggests four ways such as to set up a sleeping schedule: no tech in the bedroom, relax before bedtime and control the room temperature.

    In 2016’s National Sleep Awareness Week, the foundation gave each daily instructions for a better sleep.

    On the first day, the foundation asks to start the week by making time for the sleep the mind and body needs.

   On the day second, leaving a couple hours between eating and going to bed is suggested because it will help the body to reap the maximum benefits of a good night’s sleep.

    On the third day, any electronic devices should be turned off and away to bed because blue light from screen can disrupt circadian rhythm and affect the ability of sleep.

    The foundation also says keeping the bedroom dark and painting cool toned colors on the walls will help for better sleep on the fourth day.

     Moreover, creating a bedtime ritual such as taking deep breaths, as well as stretching and other relaxing exercises can help to wind down and set the mind ready for sleep.

    On the sixth day, the foundation hints that keeping a piece of paper next to the bed and writing down any concerns of the day before going into sleep can also be beneficial for mind control and a stress-free sleep.

    Lastly, the week wraps up by focusing on how much sleep is important for everything. The foundation also uses the last day as a reminder to account for daylight savings time, which occurs this Saturday evening.

     Providing valuable information about the benefits of optimal sleep and how sleep affects health, well being and safety is the foundation’s ultimate goal during this week.