Why Sleep Is Important
“We need to understand how important it is to sleep well,
especially since we spend a third of our lives asleep.”
~ Dr. Ezenwa
We are a sleep-deprived society, and the problem is only getting worse. According to the National Sleep Foundation, Americans are among the most sleep-deprived people in the world. Only about 35% of adults get the recommended 7+ hours of sleep per night.
Sleep Is Essential for Good Health & Well-Being
The days of considering sleep unproductive are over. The scientific community simply knows much more about the importance of sleep now. The idea of sleep being a period when the brain simply “shuts off” has been replaced by a growing understanding that sleep is a highly complex state necessary for the proper functioning of all organs in our body.
Sleep is a basic human need – like eating and breathing. It is involved in the healing and repair of the heart and blood vessels, and in the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Sleep can amplify the effects of good nutrition and exercise in maintaining a healthy weight. During sleep, the brain prepares for the next day by forming the new pathways helpful for learning, information retention, focusing, decision-making, and creativity. Healthy sleep leads to an improved mood and can enhance your overall quality of life.
Despite all this, millions of Americans do not get enough quality sleep. Sleep disorders are a common public health problem and the vast majority go undiagnosed and untreated. But, it doesn’t have to be like this.
The Health Risks of Inadequate Sleep
It’s a myth that people can learn to get by on little sleep with no ill effects. Research shows that chronically not getting enough good-quality sleep is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and stroke. Death rates are higher among chronically sleep-deprived individuals.
The quality and quantity of your sleep can also impact:
Studies show that a lack of good sleep negatively impacts driving ability as much as – or even worse than – driving under the influence. Sleep deprivation can lead to “micro-sleep,” in which you experience brief, involuntary moments of sleep. If you have ever driven somewhere and could not remember part of the trip, you may have had a micro-sleep episode.
More than 20% of fatal crashes – accounting for 6,400 deaths per year – have been attributed to driving while sleepy. Nearly two-thirds of all adults admit to driving while drowsy.
- Weakening your body's immune system
- Raising your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Lowering your libido
- Making you hungrier – often for high-fat and high-carbohydrate foods
Sleep Disorders Are Not All the Same
Sleep disorders come in many forms and affect people from all age groups.
Some of the most common sleep disorders are sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders.
Problems Sleeping? Get the Medical Care You Need
If you think you might have a sleep disorder, talk to your primary care provider right away about a referral to MelioREM Sleep Clinic in Reno Sparks, Nevada – or call us directly at (775) 557-4900 to schedule your in-person visit. We also offer telehealth appointments to patients all over Nevada and especially in the Elko County area. You can also use our convenient appointment request form now.
