If you have ever had a visit with a medical provider, chances are that he or she asked you how many hours of sleep you get each night. Your doctors aren’t just asking out of curiosity! Getting quality sleep at night is crucial to your mental and physical health.
Over time, sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your body and can leave you at a higher risk of serious diseases. Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team wants you to prioritize sleep, so check out our blog below to learn how much sleep you need.
How Much Sleep Should I Aim For?
The CDC recommends that all adults get at least seven hours of sleep at night. But up to nine hours is healthy and normal. If you aren’t getting that much sleep at night but you currently feel fine, that doesn’t mean this benchmark doesn’t apply to you. In time, you will start to feel the effects of not getting enough sleep when it comes to your physical and mental abilities.
Getting fewer than seven hours of sleep each night most nights can actually increase your risk of developing many different health issues. Diabetes, obesity, hypertension and depression are all very real possibilities in individuals who don’t get enough sleep!
Physical Signs of Poor Sleep
- Fatigue throughout the day, especially in the afternoon
- Under-eye circles or red eyes
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Trouble waking up with your alarm or in the morning
Why Is Sleep Good for Me?
Sleeping allows our bodies to recharge and restore after each day. It helps improve your brain performance, it supports a healthy weight and it can actually help you do better in school or at work. Getting proper sleep can support a healthier memory as you age as well.
Prioritizing sleep can be hard, especially if you have a busy work schedule or a busy family. It seems like it is often the first thing to go when you have a lot going on. However, even just simple lifestyle changes can help you get more sleep. Try turning off screens earlier in the night for the entire family and focus on calm activities like reading, listening to music or a family game.
How to Fall Asleep Easier
- 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 South Charlotte for quality care today.
