Did you know that over 35% of adults in the US report sleeping less than 7 hours per night? Sleep Foundation (2020)
Sleep is defined as “a condition of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours every night…”
It may be one of the most impactful, beneficial aspects of life…….when we get enough of it. But that “several hours” piece of the above definition is harder to come by with the stress of busy schedules and the ability to stream your favorite shows and scroll social media at all hours.
Some facts about sleep…
- Adults need between 7-8 hours of sleep.
- As many as 30% of adults struggle with chronic insomnia. 40% of people with insomnia are believed to also be affected by a mental disorder.
- Research shows that poor sleep has immediate negative effects on your hormones, exercise performance and brain function
- It can also cause weight gain and increase disease risk in both adults and children Sleep Foundation (2020) Healthline (2020)
A note from Synchronous Health Specialist, Jasmine DeGuzman, LMFT, “Sleep is essential for our physical well-being and upkeep of the body. It helps us maintain imperative skills such as learning and emotional regulations. Getting a good night’s rest also decreases the risk of developing severe mental health problems. One way to practice good sleep patterns is to be mindful of having a regular sleep routine and sticking to it.”
Here are some tips that can help you sleep better:
Loosen. Consider doing some stretches and breathing about an hour before bedtime. This can start the wind down process, send oxygen to your blood, loosen the muscles, and help you relax.
Limit. Limit the activity you do close to bedtime. Don’t check your phone, eat, drink or watch tv too close to bedtime. These activities can be can stimulants for your brain and prevent you from falling asleep as easily or as deeply. Reserve your bed for sleep.
Schedule. Develop a schedule that you can follow where you go to bed and wake up at similar times or as close to those as possible. This will create consistency in your circadian rhythm, a very healthy sleep habit.
If you’re feeling like you could use some additional support, our team is ready to serve you. To learn more and register, call 844-242-3364.
