Getting a Good Night's Sleep

While you may not think a few minutes of lost sleep here and there is a big deal, sleep deprivation can cause serious health problems. Johns Hopkins claims sleep deprivation can lead to depression, anxiety and forgetfulness. It also raises our risk for hypertension, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and falling asleep at the wheel.

According to the CDC, over one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation claims a whopping 70% of Americans fail to sleep at least seven hours per night.

So, if you’re one of them, what could be keeping you up?

A possible sleep disorder. The American Sleep Association reports 50 to 70 million adults have a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.

An alternating bedtime. Experts suggest that we go to sleep and wake up at the same time every night—even on the weekends.

Phone use. A 2020 study in the Nature and Science of Sleep journal concluded that using a cellphone for 30 minutes after the lights are off, and keeping it near our pillows, is connected to poor sleep.

Urban residence. A study examining sleep disparities reported shorter sleep times in people living in the inner-city, especially among that Black and Hispanic adults.

What you eat. While you might know caffeine and alcohol can keep you up, so can spicy foods or snacks high in fat or sugar.

Your job. Several studies have found that military and healthcare workers sleep less than others due to long working hours. Those who work second or third shifts also report sleeping less than those with typical working hours.

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