Sleep, Are You Getting Enough?
Probably Not! March has been designated as National Sleep Awareness Month. This gives us a time to reflect on our own sleep habits and look at ways of how we can improve both our quality and quantity of sleep. Most individuals are aware of the need for proper sleep but, typically, fall short. Sleep plays a critical role in one’s overall health and wellness.
Many of us are knowledgeable that when it comes to optimal health the need for proper diet and exercise. However, ensuring that you have proper sleep habits is just as important to one’s health. Both the mind and the body use this time to down regulate and recharge from the day’s activities in order to prepare for the next day’s demands. Inadequate sleep has been shown to have both long-term and short-term effects on health. For example, decreases in work performance and increase in irritability along with depression and hormonal changes have been seen in individuals with improper sleep habits. Furthermore, sleeping less than seven to eight hours increases one’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and Type II Diabetes.
The majority of people require seven to eight hours of sleep per night for optimal performance. However, that is optimum for average daily living. The more physical activity you do, the more your sleep demands increase. This means as the weather warms up and your outside activities, such as yard work and gardening, that your sleep requirements also increase. Make sure you keep this in mind as your activity levels fluctuate throughout the year and seasons.
Now that we have discussed the importance of sleep quantity, let’s talk about sleep quality. There are a few tips that one can implement to help promote a successful, good night’s rest. What might those be? I’m glad you asked. They are things like avoiding anything too mentally stimulating or stressful an hour before bed (i.e., checking bills), sleeping in a dark, cool environment, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, and turning your devices off. Try applying some of these tips into your nightly routine before bed and watch your sleep quality improve.
In conclusion, it is estimated that over forty million Americans have improper sleep habits. Don’t let yourself fall into this statistic. Both your mental and physical health will thank you. Over the next several weeks, take a look at your sleeping habits and see if you cannot make small changes or tweaks that would lead to an overall improvement in quality or quantity. If you enjoyed this month’s blog, be sure to subscribe to our journal and stay tuned for future articles!
Ps. Also, do you struggle to find a pillow that gives you the support you need for a restful night’s sleep? We’ve got your solution. Now at Performance Chiropractic, we are carrying Pillowise pillows. Check them out at https://www.pillowise-usa.com/ or stop by the office today at 298 Broadway St. Martin, TN.
