The amount of sleep needed varies by individual. “It depends on your genes, and the quality of your sleep. The right amount of sleep is the number of hours needed for you to wake up feeling refreshed, not sleepy during the day, but then ready for bed at a regular time, without difficulty dropping off. If you are achieving that regularly, if you are waking up before your alarm, and not catching up on sleep when you have the chance at the weekend, then you are getting the right number of hours’ sleep.” (ThriveGlobal)

Quality is equally important. Healthline.com shares 10 Reasons Why Good Sleep Is Important. After a good night’s rest we experience better physical and mental health. We are better able to cope with stress and anxiety, and depression levels may be reduced. On the other hand, poor sleep is linked to higher body weight as well as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

But what if falling asleep or staying asleep is problematic? Experiment with different pillows, lower the room temperature, use aromatherapy, and be mindful of caffeine and alcohol intake. Make an effort to follow steps for good Sleep Hygiene.

Interested in why you experience sleep issues – falling asleep, waking in the night, or even ‘hitting the wall’ during the day? Traditional Chinese medicine uses a tool known as The Body Clock. The theory is that our Chi, or energy, moves through the body’s meridians and organs in 2-hour blocks over a 24-hour cycle. Each 2-hour block is associated with a different organ, and each organ is associated with different emotions. Each time window, according to wellandgood.com, reflects “when that particular organ and its related meridians are said to be most energized and working hardest, affecting everything from your emotions to your productivity.” Observe your sleep patterns, your energy surges, or your metabolic slumps. Note the time of day that these occur, and then look at the chart of the body clock. Listen to what your body is telling you. Incorporate changes to improve your sleep, and observe the benefits to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.