For many people, going to bed is just something that happens without much thought. After all, you get tired, lay down, and wake up hours later feeling refreshed. While this routine happens every night, you still might not fully understand why we sleep or what happens to our bodies during the process. However, health care providers agree that this process plays an important role in overall wellness. Since March 3–10, 2019, marks National Sleep Awareness Week, here are a few important points to know about the significance of your slumber. 

How Does Sleep Affect Your Body?

While you may be resting, your brain and other parts of your body remain incredibly active. According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) research, during this period, your body grows and repair tissues, restores your energy, and produces essential hormones. You also experience blood pressure changes that benefit your heart.

If you don’t get enough sleep every night, you face a higher risk of obesity and heart disease. Additionally, it can suppress your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections and prevent illness. Lack of sleep can also lead to a hormone imbalance that impacts your mental health, causing increased anxiety, depression, or irritability.    

What Are Common Sleep Problems?

According to CDC statistics, approximately one-third of U.S. adults fail to get the recommended seven to nine hours of rest every night. In many cases, this problem is linked to specific sleep disorders.

One of the most common disorders is insomnia—a condition in which an individual cannot fall or stay asleep during the night. It can have many causes, including the use of certain medications, anxiety or depression, overuse of caffeine, and substance abuse.

On the flip side of the equation, some may experience excessive daytime sleepiness—a disorder that causes individuals to feel fatigued, even if they got a full night of rest. It’s important to talk to a health care provider about this issue, as it can be related to numerous treatable conditions—including depression, nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea, and shift work disorder.

How Can You Improve Your Sleep?

In general, it’s best to maintain a bedroom that is quiet, dark, and cool. You can also improve your sleep by making sure to not eat right before bed, not drinking caffeine later in the day, and exercising regularly. If these changes don’t help, talk to a doctor about possible sleep disorders you may have and how medication may be able to help.

Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine is an exceptional resource for those facing sleep problems. Providing comprehensive health care services for over 20 years in Anchorage, AK, these doctors can accurately diagnose sleep disorders, address underlying conditions that are impacting your rest, and prescribe treatments designed to improve your slumber. To learn more about their capabilities, visit this caring medical provider online. You can also call (907) 344-0200 to schedule a convenient wellness exam.