Immortality is one of the most unsuccessful dreams of mankind. Men have wasted their life in search for Elixir of life. There are no reports of a successful effort. Longevity is the next best thing. You can live longer with a few modifications in your life style.

Do you know?

According to a study conducted by the School of Medicine, attached to the University of Pennsylvania, sleeping has a direct impact on longevity.

Proof

In UK, a study was conducted on a group of 1000 men. They were observed for 12 years. The study implies that the optimal amount of sleep will be 7 to 9 hours per day. Those who sleep out of this time frame are at risk.

Having a good sleep is not easy. Sleep is an indicator of your health. A good sleep is possible only with a healthy mind and body.

What is sleep?

Sleep is simply switching off the regular functions of our body. Basic functions like breathing, heart beat etc will continue as normal.

Sleep and its effect on our body

Our body is the most complex machine ever walked on earth. Like all machines, our body needs rest to overcome fatigue and repair itself. Sleeping helps to reduce the brain activity. Brain health is directly linked to life expectancy.

Sleep and dreams

We have a tendency to separate sleep and dreams. Actually dream is an important part of our sleep. Dreaming is good for mental health. It releases the suppressed feelings of our mind. Accumulation of these feelings will lead to depression.

If you have too many bad dreams, don’t avoid it. Talk to an expert.

Natural hindrance to sleep

Sleeping can be affected by physical illness, mental depression and other faulty conditions of health. We cannot control their occurrence. The best way is to reduce their span. If they prolong, take medications that assist sleep.

Tips for a sound sleep

• Finish your dinner before 9 o’ clock.

• Take a light dinner.

• Do not eat anything after dinner.

• Avoid taking Tea or coffee at night.

• Instead of shampoo, use hair oils.

• A good massage can give a better sleep

• Meditate for a few minutes.

• Practice Yoga.

• Make sure that you sleep for 7- 8 hours.

• Ensure your sleeping time is not more than 8 hours.

• Have sex with your partner.

• Restrict the use of television in your bedroom.

• Follow a schedule. The optimal time will be 10 to 6.

• Take regular exercise.

• Go for a walk.

• Avoid alcohol and smoking.

• Alcohol and cigarette contains stimulants which prevents sleep.

Excellent tips.

However I do know of one exception to the rule. My husband has a grandma who is 86 years old and she hardly sleeps at all. But on balance I suppose she is very active for her age, but she does enjoy a tipple now and again.

I have to say that she is a great lady, and if I were to be as fit as she is at 86, I would conside myself very lucky.