Sleep For Improved Health | Cleveland, TN Walk-In Clinic

Sleep is one of the most important, and often one of the most overlooked aspects of overall health. Find out how you can have better health with a good night’s rest.

Sleep is essential for maintaining good health.

According to studies by the American Sleep Association, more than 50

million Americans have been diagnosed with some type of sleep disorder. Although we might not necessarily think of sleep as part of a healthy routine, lack of sleep can actually hurt our health far more than we may realize.

For one, sleepless nights are a direct link to an increased risk of accidents on the roadways. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigue causes approximately 100,000 auto crashes in the United States each year, many of which can be fatal. Drivers in the Cleveland, TN area are not immune from this risk.  Driving while sleep-deprived is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated, although many people do not realize the harm it can bring to themselves, their passengers and those in vehicles around them. Therefore, help keep yourself and others safe while on the road by getting a good night’s sleep.

There is also an increased risk for a number of serious health conditions for those who do not get adequate or quality sleep, including:

• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure

Third, if you are going to keep your mind healthy, you are going to need regular, quality sleep. Have you ever stayed up too late and then weren’t mentally prepared for the following day? Remember how much of a fog you were in? Don’t allow those days to be the norm in your life. Find ways to get more sleep so your mind is sharp and clear. Consistent sleep patterns will lead to clearer decision making.

Lack of sleep can also contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.  Getting a proper amount of sleep will generally give you a better feeling and more positive outlook as you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the world.

Find More Sleep in Your Life

There are a number of ways you can improve your sleepless nights, starting tonight!

First, establish a routine and aim to go to bed at around the same time every night. Rather than staying up late on weekends, keep the same bedtime schedule so that your body and sleep schedule don’t get off course.

Second, put down your electronic devices! Technology is wonderful, but it can wreak havoc on your sleep. By continuing to look at your smartphone, reading on your iPad or watching television late into the evening, your mind is thinking that it is still time to be up when your body really needs sleep. Start turning off all technology at least an hour or two before bed.  If you need some kind of stimulation before going to bed, pick up a book or listen to some soothing music.

Finally, never underestimate the power of exercise!  Exercise is another great way to achieve a better night’s rest.  Just be sure to do your workout a few hours before heading to bed.  There are a lot of ways to get your workout in the Cleveland, TN area – from gyms and fitness centers to local area parks and our beautiful greenway.  Make it a family affair or meet up with friends to get in a good workout!

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, be sure to speak with one of our physicians at AFC Urgent Care of Cleveland, TN who can help you to get back to a good night’s sleep.  We can give you a complete physical exam to ensure there isn’t an underlying medical cause.

Contact us today for more information.