Research shows that sleep (or lack of) has both positive and negative effects on
overall health. Never should we underestimate the importance of getting good sleep. This is when the body physically and mentally revitalizes itself and the body has the time and access to the tools needed to repair and energize us from head to toe. Sleep affects our physical and mental health, and is essential for the normal functioning of all the systems of our body, including the immune system. The effect of sleep on the immune system affects one’s ability to fight disease and endure sickness.
It is a fact that Americans are extremely sleep deprived in our American fast paced never stop society. Research from the NSF (National Sleep Foundation) indicates that over 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 sleep disorders. Over 40% of adults suffer daytime sleepiness but what about our children? Studies show that over 69% of our kids experience one or more sleep problems.
The question is, is there a link between our body and mental health when it comes to our health in general? According to Natural Health, improved quality of sleep should be included in our mental health.
Sleep issues may increase the possibilities or risks of developing mental disorders and treating sleep disorders may help eliminate the symptoms of mental disorders.
Possible mental disorders due to sleep deprivation:
- Depression
- Bipolar
- Anxiety
- ADHD
What are the signs of excessive sleepiness? According to Dr. David F. Dinges, PH D, some signs are: Irritability / Moodiness / Disinhibition
Other Signs of Sleepiness:
- Apathy
- Slowed Speech
- Flattened Emotional Responses
- Impaired Memory
- Inability to Multi-task
- Which can lead to lapses in attention, nodding of and other symptoms.
Environment and behavior affect sleep disorders and is the number one cause for short term sleeping difficulties. Normally sleep issues will disappear once the stressful situations expire. Other triggers might be school, job pressures, family and marriage problems and illness or death in the family. Other causes are drinking alcohol or caffeine beverages in the afternoon or before bed, exercising and irregular morning and night time schedule.
Finally, according to an article written in WebMD, we want you to be aware of research showing that there is an increased mortality risk for individuals getting six or less hours of sleep per night. Another study found that reduced sleep time is a greater mortality risk than smoking, high blood pressure, and heart disease and may be a contributing factor to obesity.
To reconcile sleep issues intervention is needed both in lifestyle and behavioral. It is important to set a plan that can implement changes in your lifestyle and incorporate strategies to achieve the changes you need to eliminate the effects due to lack of sleep. Drugs would more than likely be the last resort, but always check with your physician.
Strategies:
- Lifestyle changes –
- Physical Activity –
- Relaxation –
How can I combat common sleep problems?
- Keep a regular sleep & wake schedule.
- No caffeine four to six hours before bed.
- Don’t smoke especially near bedtime or if you awake in the night.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bed.
- Get regular exercise.
- Minimize noise, light and excessive temperature where you sleep.
- Develop a regular bed time and stick with it.
- Try to wake up without an alarm clock.
- Attempt to go to bed earlier every night for a certain period; this ensures you’re getting enough sleep.
Never underestimate the effects that sleep has on your health get your sleep….at least 7 hours per/night!
We always appreciate your thoughts…
- What do you do for a good nights sleep…what works for you?
