Photo by Angela Kirk

There is no better way for this dog to spend his down time than sleeping. What’s not to like? It’s relaxing, I get to shut down my mind and go into a blissful state of dreamland where I can chase dozens of squirrels. So it was surprising to me to find out humans are sleep deprived and the effects it is having on your health. As your therapy dog, I feel I need to tell you in a firm but loving voice……….GO TO BED!

More than 80 million Americans now sleep less than seven hours a night. That is two hours less than a century ago. Nothing is more important than getting enough sleep and here is why; sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, to regulate our moods, recover swiftly from injuries and may be more essential than food. Steven Lockley from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found that animals will die of sleep deprivation before starvation. It may also reduce your risk of developing dementia.  Now that’s serious stuff!

So why aren’t you humans sleeping?  Well is complicated. You can partially blame evolution and the modern world. Humans worry about things dogs don’t and that triggers our brain to stay awake. Artificial lights that light up the dark, cell phones, tv and computer light keep Melatonin from being released and making us sleepy.

So in the evening when you should be going to bed and you don’t, just remember this; anyone that sleeps less than six hours per night is at risk for depression, psychosis, stroke, and a higher risk of obesity. In other words, sleeplessness messes up the whole body.

So, take a deep breath and relax, turn off the TV, put down your cell phones and after you have read my blog and liked my Facebook page go to seep. Your body and mind will thank you for it.