This country faces a looming deficit – a sleep deficit. A growing number of people do not get a sufficient quantity of quality sleep on a regular basis and the result is often chronic fatigue.

The average person needs about seven to eight hours of sleep each night to maintain energy, mental and physical health, blood sugar balance and to better manage stress, among other things.

When you get fewer than seven hours of sleep, you may find yourself hungry all the time and gaining weight, finding it difficult to remember, concentrate or be creative.  You may even be anxious or depressed. Lack of sleep can also lead to a weakened immune system, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stress.

What you eat or don’t eat throughout the day can have a significant impact on your energy level. The fact is, despite trying to make diet changes that will lead to weight loss or better blood sugar control, many people continue to hang onto energy draining diet habits. Here is a quick look at some of those: