We would like to take a moment to have you step back and help you reexamine the importance of sleep.
Sleep is a vital part of our lives for the following reasons:
- Memory and learning. Sleep boosts our brain to convey new data to our minds; this is a process called memory consolidation.
- Weight and Metabolism. When you are overweight, you have a tendency to suffer from sleep disorders like apnea. On the other hand, chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain. That’s why the right amount of sleep is paramount.
- Mood/quality of life. Not enough sleep may result in symptoms like impatience, inability to concentrate, irritability, and moodiness. In other cases, depression and anxiety will be also likely to occur.
- Cardiovascular health. Severe sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia have been linked to high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, increased stress hormone levels and increased inflammation.
- Immunity/risk of disease. Though all the mechanisms are not apparent, it has been found that sleep deprivation changes immune function. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may find yourself falling sick more often.
How Much Sleep? 7 Hours or More
Sadly, we live in a sleep-deprived society. Some studies suggest that 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by some sleep disorder.
It’s likely that you need to make a conscious effort to get more (sound) sleep. The human body needs at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. However, it’s not just the duration of sleep, but also the quality that matters.
Lack of sleep can cause several problems. Aside from dizziness, it can cause nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular and endocrine issues.
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation
As physical therapists at New Beginning Physical Therapy in Palm Desert, CA, we want you to get the most out of every exercise program we designed for you, but adequate sleep is the foundation for recovery and strength.
Sleep deprivation can set off a chain of events that can affect different parts of your life. These may include:
- Poor health caused by bad food choices. A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine discovered that people, especially women, who suffered from sleep apnea, tend to consume foods that are high in cholesterol, protein, and fat.
- Impaired sugar metabolism and diabetes are more likely in those who get five hours of sleep (or less) a day.
- Both factors above can lead to weight gain and obesity.
- The incidence of car accidents increases when sleep deprived individuals are behind the wheel.
- Heart attacks are more likely when you sleep five hours or less.
- Balance problems and falls are more likely (especially in the elderly).
- Children who don’t get enough sleep tend to be irritable, and in extreme cases, show behavioral issues.
When you get enough sleep, your body functions better.
Our expert physical therapists at New Beginning Physical Therapy in Palm Desert, CA, would want you to be the best you can be, physically and mentally. Which is why we want you to get enough sleep.
Getting enough sleep and planning an exercise program to improve your strength and flexibility will be one of the most important things you do.
We at New Beginning Physical Therapy in Palm Desert, CA are standing by to assist you.