Written by KURA Writer- Rylee Nelson
The quality and amount of sleep we get each night can affect our lives in various ways. It can manifest positive or negative symptoms in our bodies. Sleeping for about 8 hours every night can improve your mental and physical health and reduce your risk of developing diseases. The adverse outcomes of sleep deprivation include weight gain, mood changes, weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and risk of heart disease (Watson & Cherney, 2023). Factors that may disrupt sleep quality include stress, pain, certain medical conditions, sleep disorders, medications, and the environment you’re trying to sleep in (Higuera, 2019).
However, there are ways to minimize the effects of these sleep interferences. For example, having a consistent sleep routine can be a great way to improve sleep quality and sustainability. This involves going to bed and waking up at the same time every night. Another thing you can do is create a calming environment in the space you sleep in. For example, keeping the room cool, reducing noise, and removing electronics from the room can help create a good sleep environment. Engaging in regular physical activity is also good for getting quality sleep (NIH, 2021).
The choices we make for ourselves daily can either reveal positive or negative outcomes in the future. Making health-conscious decisions can lead to a longer and healthier life. Applying the suggestions discussed above to your daily routine can improve sleep quality and overall health. To start, try and make one of these tips into a habit and discover how it benefits your mind and body.
References:
Higuera, V. (2019, July 16). What you should know about difficulty sleeping. Healthline. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty
National Institutes of Health. (2021, April). Good sleep for good health. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/04/good-sleep-good-health#:~:text=Good%20sleep%20improves%20your%20brain,stroke%20to%20obesity%20and%20dementia.
Watson, S., & Cherney, K. (2023, February 14). 11 effects of sleep deprivation on your body. Healthline. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body
