Does it feel like you’re consumed with worrying if you’re getting enough sleep? It happens to all of us and it is a natural thought because getting enough sleep is so important to our health. We have all heard about the signs that show you’re not getting enough sleep, but have you heard of any for if you really are getting enough sleep?
We have compiled a list of 6 tips to help you know if you are in fact getting the recommended amount of sleep at night.
- Not needing caffeine boosts.
Grabbing a coffee can become a routine for some but knowing the difference between a need and a want is very important. Coffee has become a necessity for too many of us; we crave caffeine all the time and cannot make it through the day without some form of it. On the plus side though, if you find yourself working through or grabbing a water when everyone else in the office is grabbing a coffee or energy drink, then you are probably getting enough sleep.
- Waking up before your alarm goes off.
No matter what alarm tone you choose, when that sound goes off in the morning, it’s like someone robbing you of the most precious item you have. But have you ever experienced the beauty of waking up before your alarm? That is a magical feeling. A sure sign that you’re getting enough sleep is waking up on your own before your alarm. This is your body’s way of telling you that you have gone through your REM cycle and it is ready to seize the day.
- Your skin is healthy.
No amount of acne cleansers or skin creams are going to help if you do not get enough sleep at night. When you lose sleep, you are more likely to breakout says Meagan O’Brien, M.D., clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medical Center. If your skin is naturally glowing, you don’t have big dark circles under your eyes and your acne free this is a clear sign that you are likely getting enough sleep.
- You’re not gaining a bunch of weight.
When most people think about weight gain or loss, they immediately think diet and exercise, but your sleep cycle is just as important to maintaining a healthy weight. Even if you haven’t quite stuck to your diet or have only gone to the gym once this week but are sleeping the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep at night you can still manage your weight.
According to the National Sleep Foundation “A good night's sleep can help you maintain a healthy weight.” Sleep is one of the factors that control your hormone balance and diet. If your hormones are not regulated, this is when you will start craving and eating loads of junk food. If you are feeling good, haven’t had a lot of cravings and haven’t noticed a weight gain even with the lack of visiting the gym then you may be able to thank your sleep schedule for that.
- You wake up with a positive outlook on life.
Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep at night can help combat anxiety and stress, leaving you happier when you wake up. You are probably well aware that when you do not have a good sleep, your mood is worsened. Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School says “After a sleepless night, you may be more irritable, short-tempered, and vulnerable to stress.”
If you have woken up recently feeling less stressed, more motivated and in an all-around better mood, then you are most likely getting a good amount of sleep.