Sleep well, live well
SLEEP WELL, BE WELL
- Imtiaz Ahmad MD, MPH, FCCP
- Updated on: January 23, 2024
- Sleep & Health, Sleep & Lifestyle
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Reddit
VK
OK
Digg
WhatsApp
Email
Table of Contents
Along with diet and exercise, sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle. Healthy sleep promotes optimal physical and mental health. It also enables you to remain alert during the day. It is important to make sleep one of your top health priorities. You will feel and perform your best when you sleep well.
KEY POINTS
Healthy sleep requires adequate duration, good quality, appropriate timing and regularity.
Adults should sleep 7 or more hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
You may be harming your health by restricting your sleep.
Untreated sleep disorders can disrupt your sleep and have a negative impact on your health.
Am I at Risk ?
You will have an increased risk of health problems if you sleep less than 7 hours per night. Working night or rotating shifts can make it hard to get the sleep that you need. Sleep disorders are common in men and women. Excess body weight is a key risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Chronic insomnia is often related to stress, anxiety and depression.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Healthy sleep is critical for your physical and mental health. Sleep strengthens the immune system and helps the body repair itself. Sleep also helps the body regulate hormones, sugar levels, heart rate and blood pressure. During sleep the brain flushes out toxins that gather during the day. Sleep improves your mood and mental functioning. It also promotes optimal alertness and performance.
Disturbed sleep impairs these processes. It is difficult to stay healthy if you don’t sleep well. Sleeping less than 7 hours per night increases your risk of many health problems. These include diabetes, heart disease, stroke and depression. You also are less alert and make more mistakes when you don’t sleep well. Insufficient sleep leads to a greater risk of accidents on the job and while driving on the road.
A sleep disorder can reduce your sleep duration and disrupt your sleep quality. It is important to recognize the signs of a sleep disorder. Warning signs include:
- Snoring, gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Restless feelings in your legs at night
- Unusual behaviors during sleep
The good news is that there is help for people who have a sleep disorder. Most sleep disorders can be treated effectively. A sleep doctor at an accredited sleep center can identify your sleep problem and develop a treatment plan for you.
TIPS
Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Get up at the same time every day, even on weekends or during vacations.
Develop a relaxing bedtime routine.
Go to bed early enough to sleep 7 or more hours per night.
Make your bedroom quiet and relaxing. Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.
Limit exposure to bright light in the evenings.
Stop using the computer, cell phone and other electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Avoid consuming caffeine in the late afternoon and evening.
Avoid consuming alcohol before bedtime.
Next Steps
- Make it a priority to sleep at least 7 hours or more per night on a regular basis.
- Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before going to bed.
- Talk to your doctor about any ongoing sleep problems.
- Your doctor may schedule you for a sleep study if you have symptoms of a sleep disorder.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: CONTENT DEVELOPED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE
QUESTIONS ABOUT A SLEEP ISSUE? LET’S TALK.
Imtiaz Ahmad, MD, MPH, FCCP
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad is a highly qualified physician, Board Certified in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. He has been actively serving the community of Lee County, Florida since 2004, with a strong focus on a proactive healthcare approach. Dr. Ahmad has received advanced training from some of the most prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Cornell University, State University of New York at Brooklyn, and the University of Mississippi. SOMNAS is a medical facility that is committed to improving and maintaining the health of patients with sleep disorders. The expert team at SOMNAS is known for their compassionate and high-quality care. They offer unparalleled treatment and care to patients on the Gulf Coast of Florida, ensuring a better and healthier life for them.
Job Title: Board Certified in Pulmonary Medicine
