Sleep is essential to your overall health and well-being, and getting enough sleep each night is vital to waking up feeling refreshed. When you are sleeping, your body and mind recharge; without adequate sleep, your brain will fail to function optimally. Moreover, when you are short on sleep, you put yourself at risk of danger. For example, a lack of sleep can make you less alert, which can be especially problematic when operating motor vehicles. In addition, other serious health problems can arise when you lack sleep. Some common conditions associated with sleep deprivation are high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.
According to the CDC, it is recommended that teens sleep 8-10 hours and that adults sleep seven or more hours per night. Unfortunately, many individuals suffer from sleep disorders that make it more challenging to get a good night’s sleep. For instance, insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, and approximately 33% to 50% of the adult population experiences insomnia symptoms.
If you experience difficulties with falling and staying asleep at night, here are some things you can try to get better sleep at night:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. When you go to bed at the same time every night, your body will naturally adjust to this pattern and keep your circadian rhythm in sync.
- Turn off all lights in your bedroom. Light exposure can prevent your brain from making enough melatonin, so it’s best to eliminate as many light sources as possible when trying to fall asleep.
- Unplug from electronic devices. The light emitted from electronic devices, such as phones and tablets, can also suppress your melatonin levels. Therefore, you should try to reduce your screen time as much as possible before bed.
- Exercise during the day. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can make it easier for you later when you need to fall asleep at night.
- Take a warm bath or shower. A shower or bath right before bed can help eliminate excess stress and reducing stress at night is essential to a better night’s sleep.
In conclusion, sleep is essential to your health, and you must get adequate levels of sleep for your brain to function properly.
If you struggle with sleep, the TIND team can help. Our dedicated sleep specialists diagnose and treat all kinds of sleep disorders. We have sleep clinics in McKinney, Sherman, Denison, and Plano, Texas. To schedule an appointment with a TIND sleep specialist, contact our team today at (844) 754-8463.