When we think about ‘staying healthy,’ we usually think of strict diets and strenuous exercise. But experts say staying healthy doesn’t require kale smoothies or killer workouts: as much as anything, it’s about keeping up with the basics – staying generally active, keeping yourself hydrated, and getting plenty of sleep.
That’s the message of UNC Walk for Health, a campus initiative to raise awareness of chronic health conditions and to promote active and healthy lifestyles. The organization hosts a “walk for health” every year, but it also sponsors ongoing projects all year long.
This week is “Sleep Week,” to promote the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep. To help get out the message, Walk for Health promoter William Thorpe is bringing bedtime to campus: he’s sleeping at the Old Well for 30 minutes a day.
“Sleep deprivation is the number one cause of death in America,” Thorpe says. “Lack of sleep makes us fat, sick, and stupid.”
William Thorpe spoke on Thursday with WCHL’s Aaron Keck.
Although it varies from person to person, the CDC recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night to stay sharp and to fight off diseases and illnesses associated with sleep deprivation.
While Thorpe is sleeping, the UNC Walk for Health is also making an effort to remind students on campus of the importance of staying hydrated. 1942 alum Bobby Gersten, UNC’s oldest living basketball player, has been handing out free bottles of water to students most days at the Old Well too.
“Sleep Week” runs through November 17, so you can catch Thorpe at the Old Well through Tuesday.
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