Sleep is just as important as eating right and exercising when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But often, we don’t get the recommended eight hours. Once you understand the importance of a good night’s rest, you will start taking bedtime more seriously.
Why Is Sleep Important?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adult ages 18 to 60 get seven or more hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep has a lot of benefits, including:
- Improving your memory
- Cleansing your body of inflammation
- Increasing creativity
- Helping you perform better
- Increasing grades
- Making it easier to focus
- Helping you control your weight
- Making you a happier person
The Downside to Skimping on Sleep
Sleep is not something you can skip one night and make up for the next. If your body is deprived of sleep, it can start to break down.
While you sleep, your body repairs itself. If you’re not sleeping well, you may notice colds or other illnesses take longer to clear up than they usually do. Your blood vessels are not healing, which can put you at risk for cardiovascular disease.
When you don’t sleep, your body releases insulin. This can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes. You will begin to eat more, which makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Your ability to make decisions becomes impaired. Your mood can decline, and you may lose interest in people, activities and relationships you once enjoyed.
Create a Restful Night’s Sleep
Determining the cause of your poor night’s sleep is important so you can fix the issue. Common reasons for tossing and turning include:
- Medication
- Stress
- Snoring or other sleep disorders
- Light
- Hunger
- Exercise
- Stimulants
- Interruptions
- Discomfort
Reduce Stress
Stress can keep you from falling asleep and having a restful night. Practicing yoga or meditation before bed can help you eliminate the day’s tension and keep your mind from racing while you’re trying to fall asleep.
Design a Restful Environment
A sleep sound machine and a comfortable mattress can help create an inviting environment. Many have found success with the addition of a weighted blanket.
Light-blocking curtains can prevent sunlight from waking you up. Earplugs and a sleep mask can also help eliminate distractions.
If you are snoring or experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder, seek medical attention. Contact the sleep team at Albany ENT & Allergy Services to get help today.