The word “ALERT” is actually a noun, verb and adjective.
Noun: the state of being watchful for possible danger.
Verb: warn (someone) of a danger, threat, or problem, typically with the intention of having it avoided or dealt with.
Adjective: quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.
Being “alert” depends on many factors such as:
- The quantity and quality of sleep
- Age
- General health condition/concurrent medical problems
- Medications being taken
- How much stress is present
- Use of recreational drugs and/or alcohol
There are really no objective tests that can quantify a person’s level of “alertness” and therefore this is much more a subjective sensation. However, we all strive to be as “alert” as possible as this heightened state of alertness is beneficial to our safety and well-being, as detailed in the definitions above.
Controlling weight improved our global state of “alertness” by several mechanisms:
- Improved quality of sleep
- Less chance/severity of concurrent medical conditions that reduce our alertness
- Less need for medications that can impair alertness
- Improved breathing mechanics that can raise blood oxygen levels
And for those of you that find it fun to pick out all of the typos I make in writing these blogs, I will have you know that my level of alertness is far better later morning than 4 AM when I write these things!
