Yes, sleep deprivation can be a depressing topic. If you are dealing with sleep deprivation, you are not alone. Almost 1/4 of America's adults, or 47 million adults, has some type of sleep deprivation. This condition can affect your emotional state, energy level, memory and mental abilities. As you may have noticed, this can eventually lead to depression, stress and irritability. There are other health implications that can afflict the body as a result of sleep deprivation. As the body is deprived of sleep, its ability to metabolize glucose declines, which leads to the early stages of diabetes. Furthermore, a even a healthy person will begin to show signs of premature aging. Recent studies suggest that there are a number of traffic accidents caused by sleep medications. Yet, everyday, there are consumers that buy prescription sleep aids such as Lunesta, Temazepam, Ambien, and Quazepam. This is why some doctors are looking to natural alternatives such as glyconutrients.

Interestingly, the symptoms of a lack of sleep can actually interfere with a persons sleep patterns. As stress from lack of sleep increases, the bodys ability to wind down and get adequate rest declines. As a person ages, they require less sleep. An infant, up to 24 months old requires thirteen to seventeen hours of sleep. However, people who are sixteen to sixty-five years old only need six to nine hours. These are not hard, fast figures, though. Everyone is different and while some folks may do just fine on three or four hours of sleep a night, others may need ten or more.

Steps to Improving Your Nights Sleep...

Create a Bedtime Ritual - Take some time to relax and de-stress before you go to bed. Create some type of a bedtime ritual to prepare your mind and body for bed and create a break between the stresses of the day and your time of rest. Try some light reading, meditation, aromatherapy or a warm bath, anything that helps you unwind and get ready for sleep.

Avoid Caffeine - Caffeine is a stimulant. We know this as we have our morning coffee. What may not be so apparent is how long caffeine can stay in a persons system - up to fourteen hours. A cup of coffee at noon can have you still wide awake at midnight. Avoid caffeine at least four to six hours prior to bedtime.

Stay Away From Alcohol - While alcohol may make you drowsy at first and thus make it easier to fall asleep, it can cause disturbances in your sleep, resulting in a less restful sleep.

Restrict Nicotine - Many people do not realize that nicotine is actually stimulant. After all, a smoke before bedtime feels so relaxing, right? Nicotine acts similar to caffeine in a persons system. It can keep you awake and cause you to wake during the night.

Make Your Bedroom a Place for Sleep - Dim the lights, keep the room cool (but not cold) and turn down the noise. Creating an environment that is conducive to relaxation and sleeping, will make a big difference.

Dont Watch TV or Leave the TV on to go to Sleep - When you watch TV in bed, you start associating the bed with non-sleep activities. This can make it difficult to fall asleep. Additionally, TV shows are based on conflict then resolution. Whether you realize it or not, this can be stressful to you on a subconscious level. Leaving the TV on while you sleep can also be detrimental to your getting adequate rest. Even as you sleep you can hear what is happening on the TV and a part of your subconscious can even process it, raising your stress levels and disrupting your sleep. Need an energy boost?