According to the American Heart Association, 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. This is particularly concerning when considering that sleep is fundamental to our overall health and wellness. Getting the appropriate amount and quality of rest for our minds and bodies is vital to daily functioning, as well as long-term health.
Benefits of sleep
When we sleep, we are not only resting, but recovering as well. Sleep is an opportunity for our mind and body to take a break and recharge. Our bodies’ cells and tissues heal and repair as we are asleep, and our brain gets a chance to sort out everything that has been inputted into it during the day, improving its function. Some other benefits of sleep include:
- Strengthening of immune system
- Improved concentration, productivity, and cognitive performance
- Metabolic regulation
- Improved mood and increased energy
- Enhanced muscle recovery
How much sleep do we need?
While everybody’s body and its needs are different, there are some general guidelines per age group for how much sleep is needed to be beneficial. From the age of 18 and up, most adults typically need 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep.
Effects of poor sleep
Lacking the proper amount of sleep for your body, or getting poor quality sleep has many more effects than just leaving you feeling groggy. Some others include:
- Memory issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inflammation
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
In addition, sleep deprivation can put you at greater risk for the following:
- Alzheimer’s
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High Cholesterol
- Anxiety
- Depression
Prioritize sleep as you would any other recommendation to improving health and wellness, like getting the appropriate amount and type of exercise and having a balanced, healthy diet.
With the help of Hoag Concierge Medicine’s expert team, you can gain the insight you need into all aspects of your health. Wellness is a lifelong journey, and we’d love to walk alongside you on yours. Request a free consultation and facility tour today!
Make Appointment - HCM
"*" indicates required fields
