According to several recent studies, which examined the poor sleep health risks, there is significant evidence showing that there is a very strong link between the quality of sleep and an individual’s mental and physical health. In fact, some of the doctors and scientists who have been performing these studies are now suggesting that sleep habits should be a regular part of a standard complete check-up.
Sleep plays such an important role in your overall wellbeing, so getting enough shut-eye every night isn’t only good for your energy level every day, it is also an integral component of any healthy lifestyle.
What have experts discovered regarding poor sleep health risks, and what can you do to get better sleep to avoid those risks? We cover all of that info below.
The Research into Poor Sleep Health Risks
Neurology professor from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Dr. Phyllis C. Zee, stated that there is a growing amount of evidence that is suggesting that poor sleep health risks include health problems of varying degrees. She feels that sleep should be considered another form of vital sign, and that physicians should be considering the quality and quantity of the sleep their patients are receiving among the various indicators of overall health.
One study, which was performed by a team led by a senior advisor for scientific coordination and outreach, from the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Richard L. Nahin, examined the reasons that individuals were struggling with sleep and how many had been looking to alternative pills to help them to achieve better rest and lower their poor sleep health risks.
According to Nahin, insomnia and other sleep problems are commonly connected with poor sleep health risks such as heart failure, high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. The survey performed by his team was nationwide and included the participation of 31,044 adults. He explained that only 4 percent of the study’s participants suffered from insomnia but did not have any of those related conditions.
Other studies have also shown that common poor sleep health risks include:
- Less sleep may contribute to reduced health among younger adults
- Individuals who live in rural areas and who receive fewer hours of sleep also weigh more than those who obtain a greater quantity of sleep
- Narcolepsy – a disorder which is defined by uncontrollable inclinations to sleep – appears to be linked to the function of the immune system
- A lack of sleep has been linked to a struggling immune system and can exacerbate inflammation and can contribute to a number of different kinds of diseases
How Can You Prevent Poor Sleep Health Risks?
Now that you are aware of the link between poor sleep and poor health, you might be wondering what you can do about it. Well, it should come as no surprise that it all starts with ensuring you are getting plenty of good quality sleep. Thankfully, there are several steps that you can take to do just that.
First, begin tracking how many hours of sleep you are getting each night. This will give you an idea of how many hours of sleep make you feel good the next day, and how many hours cause you to feel sluggish or unfocused the next day. According to the NHS, for the majority of people, getting around eight hours of sleep every night can be enough to feel good, but some people are perfectly fine with fewer hours, while others need even more hours of restful sleep. Start with how you feel, and go from there, as everyone is a unique individual with unique needs.
Keep in mind that it isn’t just about the quantity of sleep, but also the quality of the sleep you are getting. If you are tossing and turning all night, if you find it hard to fall asleep, and if you wake up a lot throughout the night, your body won’t be able to rest and repair itself as effectively. This can cause problems that range from weight gain to a weaker immune system.
To improve the quality of your sleep, there are several steps that you can take, and these can help you avoid poor sleep health risks as well:
- Reduce your exposure to blue light from devices in the evening and in the hours before bed.
- Avoid the consumption of caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon and evening.
- Listen to relaxing music before bed to calm and quiet the mind. Slow-paced songs are best.
- Relaxation techniques, such as gentle yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation, can help prepare your body and mind for rest.
- Whenever possible, avoid napping during the day.
- Get yourself on a schedule of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. That way, you can ensure you’ll get the right number of hours of sleep for your body to feel great.
Avoid Poor Sleep Health Risks with Your Doctor’s Help
It is exceptionally important to obtain a good quality sleep in order to reduce a number of potential health problems. Should you be struggling with sleep problems, speak with your doctor about various solutions in order to reduce your risk of these associated disorders.
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