Why Are So Many Of Us Sleep Deprived?
Are You One Of Them?
What Is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is a common occurrence for many adults, with an estimated 50% of Americans not getting the recommended amount of sleep on a daily basis.
This can lead to serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.
The first step to overcoming this problem is understanding why it occurs in the first place.
There are many reasons that can
contribute to lack of sleep.
Some of these include stressors at work or home, poor sleeping habits, and environmental factors such as noise or light pollution.
The amount of sleep that an adult needs varies from person to person but most people need around 7- 8 hours of sleep each night for good health and well-being.
How Much Sleep do Adults Need for Optimal Health Benefits?
Sleep is crucial for our health, but did you know that there is a recommended amount of sleep for adults?
The National Sleep Foundation recommends
7–9 hours of sleep for adults.
This is to ensure that we are getting enough rest and it also helps with our mood and productivity.
Make Sure & Get Healthy Amount Of Sleep:
Keep a regular bedtime
Avoid screens before bed — Have a relaxing bedtime routine
Create a dark, cool sleeping environment
What are the Long Term Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Adults?
It is a common misconception that sleep deprivation is not harmful. However, the long term effects of sleep deprivation are significant and can have serious consequences.
Sleep deprivation has many effects on
our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Sleep deprived adults are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or anxiety disorders.
They are also more likely to experience chronic pain due to muscle tension and decreased immune response.
Final Thoughts: How to Prevent Not Getting Enough Sleep:
To get better sleep as an adult, you should consider the following:
1) Reduce the amount of alcohol and caffeine intake.
2) Avoid using your phone or tablet for screens before bed.
3) Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, which includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
4) Exercise regularly and try to avoid strenuous exercise in the evening.
5) Establish a relaxing routine before bedtime such as reading or meditating.
6) Make sure your bedroom is dark and cool enough for sleeping.