Importance of Sleep
Did you know that 1 in 3 American adults don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep? While this might not seem problematic, consistently failing to get enough sleep can put you at risk of significant health problems. In fact, not getting enough sleep is linked to a variety of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and obesity.
Benefits of Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive, and low-stress lifestyle. Here are just a few benefits of getting a good night’s sleep:
Increased productivity and work performance—Giving your body enough time to go through all the sleep stages is necessary for energy, muscle repair, improved memory, and the release or regulation of important hormones that are essential for everyday functions within the body.
Decreased weight gain—According to the National Sleep Foundation, not allowing your body enough time for rest and regulation can lead to an increased appetite. The hormones that give you the feeling of being full or hungry can become irregular, which may cause increased feelings of hunger that lead to weight gain.
Improved mental health—Getting enough sleep can help alleviate feelings of fatigue that may contribute to stress, depression and anxiety. Symptoms of fatigue can be debilitating.
If you are struggling to fall asleep, or get a restful sleep, try the following tips:
Eat nutritiously. Good eating habits can help you sleep better and feel energized all day. Also, avoid big meals right before going to bed.
Exercise regularly. This also helps your sleep quality and daytime energy level. Just be sure to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.
Avoid stimulants like caffeine before bed. Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine promote alertness, which can make it difficult for you to fall and stay asleep, so it’s important to avoid them for three to four hours before bed.
Stick to a schedule, even on the weekends. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to keep your body on a consistent schedule.
Put the electronics away. Blue-light emitting electronic devices can prohibit you from getting a good night’s sleep. To reduce the effects of these sleep-stealing devices, refrain from using them for at least an hour before bed.
The information provided is for educational purposes and should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any conditions. Consult with your medical provider for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions. Call 911 for medical emergencies.