NatNews

While many individuals strive to live healthy lifestyles through exercise and nutritious eating habits, one aspect that is commonly overlooked is allowing one’s body to receive the sleep it needs to recover and rejuvenate itself.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37% of adults over the age of 18 living in Dallas County do not get a sufficient amount of sleep every night. This number is comparable but slightly greater than the U.S. average, with a little more than one-third of individuals reporting adequate sleep.

While unexpected life events can sometimes prevent an individual from sleeping the full seven to nine hours every single night, consistently not doing so can be detrimental to a person’s health. Such consequences include an increased risk for chronic conditions and diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, and depression. Additionally, a lack of sleep has proven to be a strong contributing factor in motor vehicle crashes and machinery-related injuries each year.

White Rock Running Co-op member Becca Finke, who runs early in the morning, knows the right amount of sleep that her body needs and opts for an early bedtime to ensure that she gets it.

“Getting enough sleep is critical for me physically and mentally,” Finke said. “If I don’t get at least seven hours of sleep, I feel foggy-headed and weaker.”

There are a variety of reasons adults lack the proper amount of sleep their bodies need. Factors include lifestyle choices, work requirements and hours, medical conditions, medications, and sleep disorders.

For individuals who are struggling with sleeping enough, the CDC recommends the following: consistency regarding when one goes to sleep and wakes up; sleeping in a quiet, dark, relaxing space with a comfortable temperature; removing electronic devices from the bedroom; avoiding large meals, caffeine, and alcohol prior to going to sleep; and exercising on a regular basis.

Doing so can be highly beneficial and keep an individual from experiencing negative side effects. Finke knows those effects all too well—which is one more reason she makes concerted efforts to give her body an adequate amount of sleep each night.

“Basically, not getting enough sleep is similar to a hangover,” Finke said, “and hangovers are no fun.”

If you think that life seems more expensive lately, you’re not alone. One area in which this has become a particular predicament, though, is among those desiring to travel. With the summer months well underway and the last two years filled with heavy travel restrictions because of COVID-19, it’s a prime opportunity for families and individuals to escape reality for a bit in their desired vacation destinations.

But increasing ticket prices have caused some people to change their original plans. For many, this could mean spending some extra time in the car. Stephanie Hone, who is traveling to Florida later this month, said that taking a road trip makes the most sense for her family right now.

“We decided to drive because we knew that it might be better since we have a toddler,” Hone said. “Also, flights are so expensive, and we preferred to save our money and spend it on activities on our trip.”

Along with price increases have been a multitude of flight cancellations—more than 116,000 flights in the U.S. have already been canceled in 2022. Travelers aren’t the only ones who are being impacted, though. White Rock Running Co-op member Ben Sewell, who is a pilot for Southwest Airlines, said that the ongoing airline issues have made work much more stressful for employees.

“The disruptions in the schedule have resulted in longer workdays and significantly reduced our quality of life with the constant reassignments and added workdays,” he said.

And Sewell doesn’t expect that travelers will see significant changes anytime soon.

“Until there is less demand, ticket prices won’t decrease,” he said. “Flights have been mostly full, so the costs reflect what the market will bear. Flight cancellations will go down as staffing returns to normal levels, but it could be a year or more before that happens.”

For the best travel experience, Sewell advises individuals to book earlier flights, as afternoon and evening ones tend to be canceled more often.

“At the start of the day, flights tend to be on time, and flying direct also minimizes the delays associated with connecting flights,” he said. “Avoiding weekends is also best whenever possible.”

Regardless of how they arrive at their destinations—whether by plane or car—many people are simply looking forward to being able to get away for a bit.

“We are most excited about our end result of the road trip being the beach,” Hone said. “Also, we’re hoping there is a Buc-ees along the way!”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Zoe Hoffman is a big fan of summer

Thursday, July 7: Lone Star Classic Dog Show
Friday, July 8: WWE Friday Night Smackdown at Dickies Arena
Saturday, July 9: WRRC Saturday run starting at Taco Joint
Sunday, July 10: National Piña Colada Day