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The Sleep Page
When asked, many adults will say that they don’t get enough sleep. The sleeping hours are among the most important hours of the day (or night), but the significance of this time is often overlooked. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding sleep.
Why is Sleep Important?
Sleep is what makes your waking hours more productive, and is very important to adults. Most need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. The National Sleep Foundation reports that approximately 60% of adults do not get enough sleep. This can impact most of the body systems, including the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the immune system. Severe illnesses can result from not getting enough sleep, including depression, diabetes, and even a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Also, a good night's sleep is clear factor in back pain relief. Back problems are further worstened by bad sleep, with back exercise playing a small role in both hurting and helping, back pain exercises can definitely help chronic back pain treatment for a back injury and general backpain. Back ache is directly related to how well you sleep, as well, with back injuries and any back spasm and back muscle pain (back pains) not allowing the sleeper the ability to get fully comfortable. A back doctor can help find the best back pain exercise and exercies for back pain to alleviate severe back pain cause of which can be anything (bad back, back strain, etc.)
- Apa.org -What happens when you don't get enough sleep.
- National Sleep Polls - Find the sleep status of Americans by state.
- Sleep Diseases - 8 negative effects on the body caused by lack of sleep.
In children, sleep is important to growth, behavior, and physical health. Sleep needs in children vary. Newborns may sleep 20 hours per day, and this gradually declines as the baby grows. Preschoolers need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep per night. School-aged kids need between 8.5 and 10 hours of shut-eye, and teens require approximately 8-9 hours.
- Kids Health - All about healthy sleep patterns in children.
Making Your Environment Conducive to Sleep
A quiet, cool, and calm bedroom is important for encouraging sleep. Some things to keep in mind include making sure the room is dark and quiet, keeping the room comfortably cool, but not drafty, and reserving your bed for sleep (and sex) only. For the best sleeping environment, do not watch television or use a computer in your bedroom if possible.
Other hints to help you sleep well include sleeping at regular hours, avoiding daytime naps, and exercising daily (but not too close to bedtime). The American Chiropractic Association says that sleeping on a firm mattress that supports the spine well can help you to sleep better. The ACA says that shopping for support, comfort, and size is important when it comes to mattresses. You need a mattress that provides support while not being too hard. Be sure to purchase a large enough mattress so that you and your partner, if applicable, have enough room to stretch out.
- Sleep tips - Helpful hints to help you sleep.
- American Chiropractic - Useful mattress tips and back pain suggestions.
Sleep Disorders
Doctors have found more than 70 sleep disorders that plague millions of Americans. The most common sleep disorders are insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. People who have sleep disorders often find themselves sleepy during the course of the day, and may also suffer from health problems due to not getting enough sleep.
Fast Facts
If it takes less than five minutes for you to fall asleep, you are considered sleep-deprived.
The world record for staying awake is nearly 19 days.
Humans dream only during Rapid Eye Movement, or REM sleep.
It is unknown if animals dream, but some have similar sleep cycles to humans.
Some insomnia medications can stop REM sleep. This can be harmful over time.
There are many other interesting facts about sleep. The National Sleep Foundation is a good source for little-known information about sleep habits.
Educational Resources
Here are some other excellent resources about sleep.
Sleepdex has many helpful tips for promoting better sleep.
The Guide to Healthy Sleep has information about why sleep is important, and how to get more of it.
The Sleep Medicine Home Page has a plethora of information about sleep disorders.
Understanding Sleep talks about how the brain acts during sleep.
How to Sleep Well is a compilation of ways to sleep well.
Sleep is important in so many ways. It is worth the time and expense necessary to be sure that you’re getting the most out of your forty winks.