Understanding the importance of quality sleep

As daylight savings time recently began and we moved our clocks ahead one hour, it is a good time to look at your sleep patterns. Thirty-five percent of U.S. adults report sleeping less than the recommended minimum seven hours each night; 73% of teenagers say they get less than the recommended eight to 10 hours of sleep for their age, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

Sleep is one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

According to medical experts at HSHS St. Anthony's, sleep is when the brain and body disconnect from the senses, no longer allowing us to process information from the outside. In turn, sleep allows us to review activities and experiences from the day which strengthens memory; gives our organs time to rest; allows our immune system to scan for infections and fight illnesses; and allows a child or teenager’s muscles to grow. 

Sleep also helps us think more clearly and creatively and improves mood. It also keeps us safe by helping to avoid drowsy driving and accidents at work.

The term “sleep hygiene” refers to a series of healthy sleep habits that can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep:

• Limit the use of electronics one hour prior to bed to prepare bodies and brains for sleep.
• Do not go to bed hungry.
• Keep the bedroom temperature cooler than the rest of the house.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol four to six hours before bedtime.
• If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do a quiet activity without a lot of light exposure until you feel sleepy.

It’s always best to stay in a routine when it comes to bedtime and wake time, especially with kids. It’s difficult to get kids to bed sometimes, so allowing them to stay up a bit later every now and then is okay but try not to deviate more than one hour.

Insufficient sleep can lead to health conditions such as irritability, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and diabetes.

There are more than 80 identified sleep disorders and sometimes the cause has nothing to do with actual lack of sleep. Stress, depression, a change in family dynamics, a new career and other life adjustments can lead to trouble sleeping.

If you have concerns about your sleep patterns and how they may affect your health, speak to your primary care physician or learn more about our sleep services here.

For more information about getting quality sleep, visit the AASM sleep education webpage.