You want to make improvements in your health – and, like the rest of us, you immediately think “diet and exercise, diet and exercise.” Well you best change your mindset to include other elements of “whole person health” – and REST is among the most important.

Did you know that research shows that those who go to bed early and get up early have statistically lower rates of heart disease, diabetes and overall lower death rates than those who consistently stay up late and get up late. A worse scenario is the “night owl” who prides himself on going to bed late, but then has to get up early.

A study conducted at the University of Chicago found that chronic sleep loss could hasten the onset, and increase the severity of diabetes, blood pressure and obesity. Lack of sleep is linked to significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Dr. Timothy Monk, one of the foremost authorities on sleep, said, “Human beings are built to be daytime creatures. It’s hard wired into our circuitry…when you deliberately try to shift the sleep/wake cycle, it’s like have a symphony with two conductors, each one beating out a different time. The result – and you don’t realize it – is that your delicate internal rhythms go haywire.

If you want to be in rhythm with your life, Monk contends that you should focus on becoming an early bird– not a night owl. The pay-off for early birds is worth getting out of bed for.

Regularity in one’s life actually leads to healthier eating patterns – that good diet you’re looking for. With proper rest, you can boost your immune system, fight off colds, improve mental performance during the day – and yes, even stave off stress in your life.