In today’s fast-paced society, people often neglect the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. He or she may prioritize work or entertainment over rest, but this can ultimately lead to negative consequences on their health, productivity, and overall quality of life. It is crucial to understand the reasons why prioritizing quality rest should be a top priority for every individual. They can improve their physical and mental health, enhance their cognitive function, increase their immunity, and even boost their mood and creativity. This article will delve deeper into the importance of getting a good night’s sleep and provide insightful reasons for prioritizing it in our daily lives.
Lack of sleep and poor-quality sleep is bad for your physical and mental health, and that’s a big deal. In this episode of House Calls: Real Docs, Real Talk, Dr. Eduardo Sanchez explains how much sleep you need, what happens while you sleep and how lack of sleep increases the risk of health problems.
Watch House Calls: Real Docs, Real Talk for trustworthy information on managing health conditions and preventing heart disease and stroke. Hosted by Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association, each episode features science-backed information and practical advice to help you live a longer, healthier life.
Learn more about sleep from the American Heart Association at
(upbeat music) – Sleep has taken a backseat When discussing health
habits for far too long. It has somehow become a
mark of valor to work late Into the night and cut corners on sleep. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention reports that about 35% Of adults get less than seven
hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep and poor
quality sleep are bad For your health, and that's a big deal. A good night's sleep allows your body to Experience several important cycles, Including REM sleep and deep sleep, Both enable your body to
restore and repair itself, Regulate hormones and
consolidate memories. Specifically, our bodies are busy healing And repairing cells,
tissue and blood vessels And strengthening the immune system. All combined, this improves
your mood and energy level But it also improves your brain function Including alertness, decision
making, focus, learning, Memory, reasoning and problem solving, All things that we could use
help with every single day. This is important work And your body needs
significant time to do it. Over the long term, sleep deprivation May put you at higher risk for obesity, High blood pressure, high
cholesterol, high blood glucose, Diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, cognitive decline Which means not thinking
as well as in the past And having dementia in the
future, and depression. So how much sleep do you really need? Adults should aim for an
average of seven to nine hours Per night, and that's
not an arbitrary range.
The body's circadian rhythm
seems to require that amount. Think of the circadian rhythm As your own personal body clock that runs On a 24 hour cycle. It's directly influenced
by environmental cues Especially light, which is
why circadian rhythms are tied To the cycle of day and night. Babies and young children Under five need 10 to 16
hours of sleep every day. Kids between the ages
of six to 12 should get Between nine and 12 hours every day And teens require eight
to 10 hours of sleep. Napping can be helpful But naps cannot fully
replace a good night's sleep. A short nap of 20 to 30
minutes can provide a Quick boost of energy and alertness. Naps can also improve your
mood and your ability to think But they don't provide
the same benefits as a Full night's sleep. In fact Relying on naps to
compensate for poor sleep can Lead to a cycle of sleep
deprivation and daytime sleepiness. Basically, naps are a supplement Not a replacement for good sleep habits. So is there such a
thing as too much sleep? This is emerging science,
but what we suspect is That needing more than nine
hours of sleep per night Might be an indicator of other
health issues for adults. It may depend on your own personal clock. Again, that circadian rhythm. Any disruption to it seems
to throw sleep out of whack. Here at the American
Heart Association, we have A handy tool to remind
people of the key measures For improving and maintaining
cardiovascular health.
We call it Life's Essential
8, and it includes sleep. I encourage you to make
getting good quality Sleep on a consistent
basis, a top priority. The result is better health,
less stress, and less risk. That is a lower chance
of chronic disease like Cardiovascular disease. If you have questions
about health conditions, I would love to hear from you. Comment below, hit subscribe And join me here next time
for answers you can trust. (upbeat music)
Introduction
Sleep is one of the most fundamental aspects of human life, but it is also one of the most overlooked. People often sacrifice their sleep to meet deadlines, attend social events, and finish household chores. In today’s fast-paced world, getting enough sleep has become a luxury for many. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) has recently released a video emphasizing the importance of getting quality sleep. In this article, we will review the video and explore the top reasons why you should prioritize getting a good night’s sleep.
The Importance of Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
1. Improves Physical Health
The body repairs and rejuvenates itself during sleep. When we get enough quality sleep, our bodies release hormones that help control appetite, maintain bone density, and reduce the risk of inflammation. People who do not get enough sleep regularly have an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
2. Boosts Mental Health
Good sleep is essential for mental health as it helps regulate emotions and improve concentration. Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Quality sleep is also linked to higher levels of productivity and creativity.
3. Enhances Athletic Performance
Sleep is also essential for physical performance. Athletes who get enough sleep have better reaction times, speed, and accuracy. Sleep also helps repair and build muscle tissue.
4. Promotes Safety
Sleep deprivation is a leading cause of accidents. Drowsiness can impair driving abilities, leading to dangerous situations on the road. Getting enough sleep can help reduce the risk of accidents and promote overall safety.
5. Improves Quality of Life
Quality sleep can promote a better quality of life. It helps individuals feel more energized, refreshed, and alert. Good sleep can also lead to better relationships, increased happiness, and a more positive outlook on life.
Conclusion
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. The American Heart Association’s video highlights the importance of prioritizing quality rest. From improving physical health to promoting safety and enhancing athletic performance, sleep has countless benefits. By making sleep a priority, individuals can improve their quality of life and lead a healthier, happier lifestyle.
FAQs
- How many hours of sleep should an individual get per night?
- The recommended amount of sleep varies based on age and individual needs. Adults typically need 7-8 hours per night, while children and teenagers require more.
- Can lack of sleep affect mental health?
- Yes, lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
- How does sleep improve athletic performance?
- Sleep helps repair and build muscle tissue. Athletes who get enough sleep have better reaction times, speed, and accuracy.
- Can sleep deprivation lead to heart disease?
- Yes, people who regularly do not get enough sleep have an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Does sleep affect productivity?
- Yes, quality sleep is linked to higher levels of productivity and creativity.