Getting enough sleep each night is vital to your well-being. You naturally feel more alert when you’re well rested, but properly shutting down for the day has an even greater impact on your health than you may realize. If your sleep suffers or you feel exhausted much of the time, you may need to visit your family doctor for some guidance. Here’s what happens when you don’t sleep enough.

How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Your Health?

All people need a specific amount of sleep each night to perform their best the following day. That amount varies by age, but, in general, the average adult can benefit from seven to nine hours nightly. That amount can decrease slightly once you reach 65 years of age. If you fall short of this amount, you may experience some short-term problems like general fatigue, less alertness, difficulty remembering things, and stress going about your everyday routine.

However, if the problem persists, you might develop more concerning chronic problems that affect your long-term health. These include high blood pressure, heart issues, stroke, and diabetes. People who don’t sleep well are also at greater risk of experiencing depression, developing obesity, or dealing with weakened immune health.

What Can You Do to Sleep More Soundly?

Reprioritize the importance of sleep in your life. For many busy people, those last few hours of the day are the first moment they have to rest and unwind. It can be tempting to watch a movie or scroll through the phone for a while. The blue light that emanates from electronic devices, however, may affect your ability to fall asleep. They can also distract you, having the opposite effect by keeping you alert and stimulated when your body needs to relax.

Getting regular exercise can also be helpful, as your body is likely to be more tired and ready for quality rest at the end of the day. Cultivate a bedtime routine by incorporating relaxing activities into your schedule. These may include taking a hot bath or drinking a cup of tea. Read a book instead of a device and you may find you’re more quickly lulled to sleep. 

If all else fails, see your family doctor for a sleep study. They may be able to prescribe medication or recommend lifestyle changes that make all the difference. 
 

The professionals at Affinity Health Group are committed to your health and well-being. Proudly serving patients throughout Monroe, LA, and the surrounding areas since 2007, the family doctors offer a broad range of services, including primary care, physical therapy, and behavioral health. Visit the website if you’re having trouble sleeping and would like assistance from some of the area’s most experienced people, or call (318) 807-4900 to schedule an appointment.