Alaska Sleep Education Center

Why A Good Night Sleep Is So Important For Your Health

We all know we need sleep. That if we don’t get enough we feel exhausted and irritable and it’s hard to concentrate. But while we know it’s important, not many of us know just why it’s so vital. Not only can a lack of sleep lead to the above but can also have a range of long and short-term health effects both physical and mental. This is why more people than ever are on a quest to help them get a good night’s sleep. From taking natural sleep supplements to having a dedicated bedtime routine, it’s vital you do what you can to get around eight hours a night. In this article, we take a look into just why a good night’s sleep is so important. Keep reading to find out more. 

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sleeping-on-mattress-covered-with-blanket-371109/ 

What are some top ways you can get a good night’s sleep?

There are many ways you can help yourself to get a good night’s sleep and get more quality from the sleep you get. This includes:

Restricting screen time before you go to bed

Screens are okay in moderation, but you shouldn’t use them at least an hour before you go to bed. This is because the bright lights and fast content can cause your brain to be wide awake and unable to switch off for sleep.

Trying natural remedies

Natural remedies such as natural sleep supplements are a great way to help promote sleep. Remedies such as this one have been studied and backed by science for top quality, purity, and effectiveness and can really help you not only fall asleep but have a much better quality of sleep too. 

Having a relaxing sleep environment 

The environment where you sleep can play a big role in how easy it is to drop off. Ensure you have a comfortable bed, the room is a nice temperature to sleep in and you have a soft duvet and pillow. You could invest in a relaxing, spa-like room spray or scented candle to give a really zen vibe to your space.

Why is a good night’s sleep so important for your health?

A good night’s sleep is so important for your health for many reasons. These include:

You can be at risk of long-term health conditions

One of the worst parts of not getting enough sleep is that it can put you at risk of long-term health conditions. When you fall asleep your blood pressure and heart rate falls. When you’re in the REM stage and when you wake, your heart rate and blood pressure return to their usual levels and if you don’t sleep enough or wake up often, it can lead to high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, obesity, and a stroke. 

It’s important for your mental health

If you don’t get enough sleep, this can lead to activity changes in the part of the brain that can lead to you feeling anxious, depressed, and even suicidal. You are more at risk of making poor decisions, not being able to function properly, and taking risks. You can also be at risk of dangers such as falling asleep when driving or when operating machinery at work which can put your life and that of others at risk. When you get more sleep, you’ll feel happier, able to deal with tasks and problems with a more rational head and you can get through tough times that little bit easier.

It gives your body a chance to rest and repair

When you’re constantly on the go, there’s no time for your body to repair and mend itself. The optimum time when your body does this and your cells work harder to renew is when you’re sleeping. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body can’t do this so well and you’re more likely to be unable to fight infections, get sick more, and also stay sick for longer. You need to sleep to give your body a good chance of getting back to its usual form. 

These are just a few reasons why a good night’s sleep is so important for your health. Whether you’re feeling constantly tired and want to improve the quality of your sleep, or you always go to bed too late and need a motivator to do so, this should help. What are some top tips you have for getting a good night’s sleep? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

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Alaska Sleep Clinic's Blog

Our weekly updated blog aims to provide you with answers and information to all of your sleeping questions.

Brent Fisher, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE
President and Chief Executive Officer

“Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans.”

Experience

Brent Fisher has held leadership positions spanning a wide variety of complex and start-up organizations: manufacturing (pharmaceutical & medical device), software development, hospitals (academic and community), medical groups, consulting, hospice, military, engineered devices, engineered plastics, and private equity.

Publications and Organizations

His writings have been published in various magazines, trade journals, and medical journals, including the Physician Executive Journal, Healthcare Executive, Modern Healthcare, Group Practice Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Healthcare Management (Best Article Award).

He has served on the Board of Directors of professional associations, civic organizations, and businesses.

Hobbies and Activities

Brent enjoys being with his family, serving in the community, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.