Life gets so busy that it can be hard to focus on slowing down and going to sleep. Whether the cause is working long hours or the fact that you just can’t stop watching your favorite show, losing hours of sleep is common for many adults across the country.

Regardless of whether you are immediately feeling the effects, not getting an appropriate amount of sleep can be harmful for your health over time. Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team explains why sleep is so important below, so read on to learn why you may need to head to bed earlier tonight.

What Is the Recommended Amount of Sleep?

The amount of hours of sleep we need each night fluctuates with age. Adults need to get between seven and nine hours of sleep. We know that sleep can sometimes be sacrificed in order to do other things, but you should really do your best to get as much sleep as you can.

If you have kids or teenagers in your home, this number is even higher. Preschool-aged children should be getting at least 10 hours of sleep at night, while teenagers should aim for eight to 10 hours a night. Many of us are parents, too, so we understand if those numbers seem really high! Slowly focus on inching bedtime earlier and try to turn off screens in the early evening to help your children wind down easier.

Physical Symptoms of Poor Sleep

• Fatigue throughout the day, especially in the afternoon
• Under-eye circles or red eyes
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Difficulty waking up with your alarm or in the morning

What Does Sleep Do for My Health?

Sleep helps us in many ways to support our overall health. For children and teenagers, deep sleep supports their growth and development. It also helps boost our nervous system function. If we don’t get enough sleep each night, it can be harder to remember things during the day and even get through normal everyday tasks.

In addition to supporting your cognitive health, sleep helps support your physical health. A chronic lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk for obesity, heart disease, dementia and diabetes. Do yourself a favor and hit the pillow a little earlier each night!

Get a Better Night’s Sleep

• Be consistent with your routine.
• Make your bedroom dark and relaxing.
• Remove screens like TVs, phones and tablets.
• Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol right before bed.

We are always here for you. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Gastonia for quality care today.