In the busy world we live in, it’s common to treat sleep as a luxury rather than a necessity. Sacrificing sleep to make that deadline, study a little bit longer, or enjoy your device for just a few more scrolls. However, sleep isn’t just about getting good rest for the day to come. It is vital for good health and healthy brain function.

While you sleep, your body is hard at work restoring itself. Lack of sleep can affect systems in your body including your immune system, metabolism, and hormones.

One way sleep supports your health is by strengthening your immune system. During sleep, certain immune cells are working even harder.  Getting enough sleep can help your body fight illnesses like colds and the flu. Poor sleep can make your body more susceptible to infection, inflammation, and sickness.

Sleep also plays an important role in regulating hunger cues, balancing your hormones, and preparing your body for digestion. Your body relies on proper sleep to balance hormones and control your metabolism. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to higher calorie intake, intense cravings, and a higher risk of developing certain chronic conditions.

Getting a lack of sleep extends beyond physical health. It can significantly affect your mental wellbeing. Without the adequate amount of rest, it’s harder to focus and easier to lose concentration. This impairs the parts of your brain responsible for self-control, making decision making more difficult.

 Sleep is critical for focusing, learning, and formation of long-term memory. In addition, deprivation can lead to emotional instability, increasing the risk of conditions like depression and anxiety, and making it more difficult to cope with emotions.

Sleep is essential to both your physical and mental wellbeing. It’s important you understand how much sleep is needed, as it may be more than you realize.  The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. The CDC also recommends that children and teenagers get even more sleep, aiming for about 8 to 12 hours per night, as it is important for their growth and development.

The quality of your sleep matters just as much as the duration. Good sleep quality means falling asleep within a reasonable amount of time, sleeping through the night, and feeling rested and refreshed when you wake up.

Lucky for you, there are steps you can take to improve your sleep habits to get a better night’s rest.

Recommendations for better sleep:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Make sleep a priority
• Create a bedtime routine
• Avoid electronics before bed
• Avoid relying on sleep medications unless directed by a healthcare professional

It’s important to remember that poor sleep is not always caused by lifestyle habits. If you consistently feel poorly rested despite getting enough sleep, talk with a doctor. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can interfere with healthy sleep and may require treatment.

Southwest Health is committed to helping individuals get their best nights rest for better health. If sleep concerns are interfering with your daily life, Southwest Health’s Sleep Lab offers local access to specialized sleep services designed to help patients find answers and achieve a proper night’s rest. Call 608.342.5071 for more information.

Sleep shouldn’t be viewed as a luxury, it’s a necessity. It supports you physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s essential for your body to recharge, reset, and refresh. Start tonight, your future self will thank you.