Sleep is as crucial to a good quality of life as diet and exercise. It can impact your work, waking hours and overall health. A good night’s sleep can promote recovery from workouts, growth in children, healing in your body and more.
Not getting enough sleep can not only impact your day-to-day experience, but also your long-term health. Insufficient sleep has been linked to chronic diseasesi, ii, such as:
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Drowsy driving
- Injuries/Illness
While the amount of sleep you get is important, the quality of sleep is just as essential.iii Some habits that can help improve your sleep are:
- Going to bed at the same time each day, even during the weekend
- Making sleep a priority
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and larger meals close to bedtime
- Getting in your recommended daily activity
- Practicing relaxation and mindfulness
The amount of sleep you need also depends on your age and activity level. Here is how much sleep you need based on your age:iv
Sleep shapes your life. If you feel your quality of life is limited by poor sleep, contact your doctor.v
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