It is an important aspect of overall health that is often forgotten. There are many things that can be improved or fixed before we consider sleep. Sleep is often overlooked in favor of diet, exercise, stress, genes, and other environmental factors. Recent scientific research has supported the notion that quality and quantity of sleep are just as important as issues like weight control, stress management, and exercise.
Quality and quantity of sleep is critical for overall health. Different ages and different conditions require different amounts of sleep. The MAYO Clinic states that adults need 7-9 hours sleep per night, while children need 9-10 hours and babies and toddlers need 14-15 hours. Pregnancy and other conditions can also affect the amount of sleep required to maintain good health. Quality of our sleep seems to be as important as how much we get. It seems that if we can’t progress through the sleep cycles via deep sleep, it is similar to not getting enough sleep.
Research shows that poor quality sleep can cause serious health problems. Inadequate sleep, which can lead to hormonal imbalances and overexertion, can also cause a stress response that causes an overload of the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenaline is then taxed, leading to fatigue and a crash the next day. Then we rush for caffeine-related help, such as coffee, teas, and even energy drinks, to get us through the day. This is causing our adrenaline glands to overreact. Insufficient rest and artificial stimulants can lead to obesity, irritability and diabetes, as well as other lifestyle problems.
Like other health-related subjects like diet and exercise, sleep is ultimately a choice. As with all other options, this choice must be considered in light of the importance it is given. Some professions, such as aviation and emergency medicine, require a shorter work week to ensure adequate rest and sleep. This is for their safety and the benefit of their patients. It is up to each of us to decide how much sleep we need to be able to function and maintain our health. Like driving a car at high RPM’s, we will soon experience warning signs like headaches and chronic fatigue. If untreated, this can lead to more serious health problems down the line.
It seems that we are all raised with the belief that there is not enough time in the day to do everything we want. Duel income working families and rising daycare population have led to a decrease of disposable or optional time for “life”. Generations have been raised in a hectic lifestyle that demands work and entertainment. We have witnessed a marked increase in health-related conditions, compared to 40 years ago or 50 years ago. Slow down, everyone! It is vital for your health, well-being, and life. Best wishes.
