Importance of Sleep

SLEEP WELL, BE HEALTHY

Doctors are increasingly convinced that restful and regular sleep is just as important to their patients’ health as exercise and a balanced diet.

Overcoming a sleep disorder and getting a good night’s rest has many benefits to overall health and quality of life. Sleep is important for learning and forming memories. Getting a good night’s sleep can give you more energy to play with your children or grandchildren, pursue hobbies, and exercise. Restful sleep can increase productivity and your safety throughout the day. Perhaps most importantly, healthy sleep can greatly reduce the risk of serious health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

A POOR NIGHT’S SLEEP

Although sleep is critical to good health, many people do not get enough quality sleep. For some people, this lack of sleep is by choice. For other people, the lack of sleep may be from:

• a change in the body’s natural clock. Shift work and jet lag are examples of things that can lead to this kind of sleep loss.
• taking certain substances, like drugs or alcohol, that can make sleep less restful.
• trying to sleep in a place that is not relaxing (too hot, too noisy).
• a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea.

If you live with someone who wakes up often during the night, snores regularly, or mentions feeling unrested when they get out of bed in the mornings, they may suffer from a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. If they make gasping or choking sounds while asleep, you should urge them to talk to their doctor.

Better sleep means a healthier, more productive, and potentially longer life. If you think your loved one may not be receiving the full benefits of sleep, encourage them to talk to their doctor, so that you can both get on the road to better sleep today.

Dr. Aliya Ferouz Colburn
on the Importance of Sleep