Are you getting enough sleep?

If you wake up early in the morning to start you day for work or by choice, you know how tough it can be to make sure you're getting enough Z's at night. But do you get 8 hours? That's been the usual rule of thumb, or so I thought! I've always been told, the hours you lose of sleep at night, take years off your life. Friday morning, we had a sleep expert in studio, Dr. Michael Breus. He said the 8 hour rule, isn't a real rule, as long as you figure out what works for you.

Some need 9 hours, while others can get by on 6. So, what works for you?

Starting our day here at the station by 3:30 a.m. means going to bed earlier than others. Early to bed, early to rise, right? Hmm, maybe not. I think I've always been a little nocturnal. Here's how I try to live a somewhat normal life... I get as much sleep as I can at night- and sneak- in naps when I can too. (The 15 minute, set your cellphone timer naps are quite efficient!) Mike asked about weight gain with lost sleep- and found out, yes, there is a correlation. Bummer!

As for those naps, try setting an alarm- I've always found I sleep more restfully when I have a timer set- otherwise I'm always shifty, waking up afraid I've overslept. Good luck.. and good night!

Email Nicole at ncrites@kpho.com