We are forced to think about sleep during the day when your eyelids begin to feel heavy and you struggle to stay awake, signaling an inner struggle to catch-up on the zzzzzzzz’s you missed last night. The newest findings indicate sleep plays a large role in physical and mental health. It is always assumed that fitness and nutrition are far more important but the jury is out, sleeping is number one to improve and maintain health, quality of life and overall wellness.
In an article published by Sleep Foundation, they discuss the consequences of deprivation, which affects almost every system in the body and increases risks of mental health disorder, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalance, immunodeficiency.
Get Adequate Sleep
To help keep your body strong, adequate rest is necessary to preform daily functions effectively, support metabolism and fight off infection.
“Sleep health is a strong concern for individuals with chronic disabilities and disorders such as arthritis, kidney disease, pain, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. Among older adults, the cognitive and medical consequences of untreated sleeping disorders decrease health-related quality of life, contribute to functional limitations and loss of independence, and are associated with an increased risk of death from any cause.”-1
CDC has published a data and statistics guide with geographic areas of short sleeping duration, which is described as less than 7 hours per 24 hour period. They also published a chart to determine how much sleep different ages require to be well rested.
Preserve Your Health
The Mayo Clinic in their Healthy Lifestyle article, outlines the 6 steps to a better nights sleep. And the Mayo Clinic Staff profess “You’re not doomed to toss and turn every night. Consider some simple tips, from setting a sleep schedule to including physical activity in your daily routine.”
Sleeping well is an essential and vital function that allows the body and mind to recharge. The end result should be that you feel refreshed and alert when you wake up. Lack of sleep can be associated with many negative health effects and though individual needs vary, research suggests that you should get between 7 and 9 hours per night for optimal health. So prioritize sleep in the same way you prioritize a healthy diet and physical activity, Give sleep the amount of attention it deserves, and remember, that GoldLeaf Home Health is here to help you understand the importance of a good nights rest on your body.
References:
*Paudel ML, Taylor BC, Ancoli-Israel S, et al.; Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study. Rest/activity rhythms and mortality rates in older men: MrOS Sleep Study. Chronobiol Int. 2010 Jan;27(2):363-77.