Sleep is a time for the brain and body to engage in vital growth and repair. It’s an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, yet our demanding work schedules, family responsibilities, and busy social lives mean that many people are going short on sleep.
What Is a Good Night’s Sleep?
A good night’s sleep should leave you feeling refreshed, alert, and ready to begin the day. If you happen to wake from a deep sleep, you may need a few minutes to wake up properly. But overall, people with healthy sleep patterns find it easy to fall asleep and experience minimal nighttime awakenings.
Quality sleep is not just about the hours you spend in bed. Fragmented sleep can also disrupt the natural rhythm of the sleep stages, leading to a less productive rest. You may get exactly eight hours of sleep every night and still feel groggy as a result of light or restless sleep.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might not be getting the rest you need:
Difficulty waking up or falling asleep
Not feeling well-rested when you wake up
Feeling tired, sleepy, or drowsy during the day
Reduced performance or trouble focusing at school, work, or sports
Excessive reliance on caffeine
Frequent nighttime awakenings
Subjective feelings of not sleeping well
In the short term, poor sleep leads to problems with memory, concentration, mood, and daytime sleepiness. Those who are short on sleep may be at a higher risk of car accidents or work injuries.
In the long term, poor sleep has also been linked to a higher chance of developing diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Shift workers with irregular sleeping patterns have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, stroke, and other medical conditions. Poor sleep may also exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Source: www.sleepfoundation.org
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