A lack of sleep could cost you plenty

Here's an attention-grabbing excerpt from an article by the same title as this weblog entry in the September 2004 issue of the Humana e-Plan Professor newsletter. (Full article at http://www.humana.com/visitors/article2_1.asp.)

"Fatigued drivers cause an estimated 10,000 motor vehicle crashes each year - with 1,500 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12 billion in economic losses" (according to an estimate by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration).

But if you can't figure out how to get a few more hours of shut-eye each night, here's what Human suggests to at least improve the quality time of your sleep:

• Establish a regular bed and a standard waking time for weekdays and the weekend.
• Resist the temptation to sleep in on Saturday and Sunday.
• Have a regular bedtime routine, such as relaxing in a hot bath, reading a book or listening to soft music.
• Make sure your sleeping area is dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool.
• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Reserve your bedroom for sleep and sex. Move your television to another room.
• Finish eating at least two to three hours before you go to bed.
• Exercise regularly and try to complete your workout several hours before you go to bed.
• Stay away from caffeine - coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate - close to your bedtime.
• Avoid nicotine, such as cigarettes and tobacco products.
• Avoid alcohol close to bedtime.

And if you're not too tired already, consider taking their Are you a drowsy driver? quiz. (On second thought, if you're too tired, then maybe you BETTER take the quiz!)