Why Sleep is Important For Your Health

Getting the right amount of sleep is the subject of discussion across many platforms, from physical well being to your quality of life and disease prevention. A sleep disorder can have a significant impact on your ability to get enough sleep, even if you are “going to sleep” and “getting up” at reasonable hours. Sleep apnea, specifically obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep-disordered breathing is a growing health concern and affects millions of people every night as they struggle with snoring, frequent waking and the daytime effects of poor sleep.

What are the benefits of sleep?

1.) Better memory: People say if you are trying to memorize or learn something new, studying it before you go to bed can help increase your chances of remembering it. When you sleep, your mind is still processing, and you store information while your body rests.

2.) Improved attention span: For people going through school or work, getting enough sleep can be the difference in being able to retain information better, boost creativity, and stay focused longer. Kids and adults react differently to sleep deprivation. While adults get tired and drowsy, kids tend to get more active. This behavior can lead to forms of ADHD among children.

3.) Weight maintenance: Sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same part of the brain so there is a strong connection between being well rested and a stable metabolism. People who get more sleep said they were less hungry throughout the day. While people who were sleep deprived may still lose weight, it tends to be more muscle related. Although getting enough sleep is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight, a healthy diet is also needed.

4.) Mental health benefits: Getting enough sleep may help you manage depression, stress, and anxiety. Feeling well rested will help control feelings of irritability and help you establish a healthy mindset. Balance is key when it comes t0 developing a healthy relationship between sleep and mental health.

If you have concerns about your sleep quality, have been told you snore or experience the common symptoms of sleep apnea, contact Dr. Harper to schedule a screening. He will work with you to obtain a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment if it is determined that you have a sleep disorder.