The Importance Of Sleep And How To Sleep Better

Written by Manny Erlich on April 28, 2013. Posted in Beyond Snoring, Snoring 101

Sleep is important for a person to maintain good health. And as essential as sleep is for a person’s well being millions of people do not get sufficient sleep. Further, most people do not get their sleep related issues diagnosed or treated.

How Much Sleep Do I Need?

The average healthy adult needs 8 hours of sleep per day. However, some people require as little as six hours of sleep per day and others require as many as ten hours of sleep per day to function at peak level.

What Affects a Person’s Sleep? Reasons for Insomnia and Difficulty Sleeping

Sleep experts say the primary reason for insomnia or short-term sleep difficulties is stress. Work related pressures, school pressures and family problems can trigger insomnia. When the stressful period eases or ends the short term sleep problem often disappears.

Drinking alcohol or caffeine at night and exercising prior to sleep can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Traveling can also disrupt the ability to sleep well.

Environmental factors can also affect the ability of getting a good night’s sleep and can be one of the major reasons for insomnia. Too much light, too much noise, too cold or too hot a room can impact the quality of sleep. A bed-partner who snores loudly and has other issues affects a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. Suggest to your bed-partner he/she participate in a sleep study. A sleep study will help both of you get good night’s sleep. Learn more about sleep studies.

How Does Your Health Affect Sleep? More Reasons for Insomnia

Usually any painful physical condition will make it difficult for a person to fall or stay asleep. Also, certain medications are known to have side effects that affect your ability to fall asleep. Decongestants and prescription drugs for high blood pressure and asthma can make it difficult to fall asleep.

Share your inability to sleep at night with your doctor.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation: How Does Lack of Sleep Affect You??

Research studies have shown people are less effective when they lack sleep. Lack of sleep has detrimental affects on effective decision making. People tend to take more risks when they are tired.

Another effect of sleep deprivation and/or lack of sleep is an increased risk of car accidents. According to The National Highway Safety Administration falling asleep while driving causes more than 100,000 car accidents and 1,500 deaths each year. Studies have shown poor sleep affects the ability to concentrate and learn.

Combat Sleep Problems: How to Fall Asleep

  • Techniques used to fall asleep faster and get a good night’s sleep are:
  • Exercise regularly
  • Don’t smoke
  • Avoid eating a heavy meal prior to bedtime
  • Avoid drinking alcohol prior to bedtime
  • Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime
  • Maintain a set sleep/wake schedule
  • Minimize light and noise and, maintain an even temperature where you sleep
  • Use the bedroom for sleeping, do not use the room to watch television

Sleep is essential to a person’s well being and a sleep study helps determine why a person is not sleeping. Don’t be like most people living your life with undiagnosed and untreated sleep problems. Sleep better, and you’ll feel better!

If you are struggling with a sleep disorder or not feeling restful, it may be worthwhile to visit a sleep center for a closer look at your sleeping habits with a sleep study. Doctors at a sleep center in your area may be able to recommend a solution!

Tags: , , , , , ,

Trackback from your site.

Manny Erlich

International Foundation of Employee Benefits - Certified Employee Benefits Specialist