The Importance of a Good Night’s Rest

April 4, 2021

How Good Quality Rest Supports Your Health

Skipping out on your rest each night can do more damage than leaving you feeling groggy the next day. In fact, getting good quality rest each night supports almost every area of your health.

Physical Health

Getting enough good-quality rest is essential when it comes to maintaining your physical health. When you don’t get enough rest you end up with a sleep deficiency, it can have the following negative effects on your body:

Increased risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Lowers your body’s ability to manage insulin levels.
Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Reduce the effectiveness of your body’s immune response.

Mental Health

Along with improving your physical health, getting good quality rest each night also helps to support healthy brain function and improves your emotional health. Sleep deprivation can negatively affect your mental and emotional health in the following ways:

Decreased cognitive function.
Memory issues.
Decreased ability to stabilize your mood.
Increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Trouble concentrating.
Problems concentrating.
Impaired critical thinking skills.

Tips for a Good Night’s Rest

One of the best ways that you can ensure that you get a better night’s rest is by practicing better sleep hygiene. This means that you’re creating an optimal sleep environment and practicing healthy bedtime habits to help you fall asleep faster and avoid sleep disruptions..

Some tips to improve your nighttime routine include:

Begin winding down 30 minutes to an hour before bed.
Have a set bedtime every night.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine before bed.
Dim the lights an hour before bedtime.
Keep electronics out of your sleep space.
Keep your bedroom dark and cool.
Get regular exercise during the day.

Sleep Disorder Treatments at Kirby Medical Center

When you’re sleep-deprived, both your mental and physical health suffer. If you find yourself finding trouble getting good quality rest, you should seek professional medical attention to address your sleep disorder.

At the Kirby Medical Center Sleep Center, patients spend a night and are discreetly observed by Board-certified sleep medicine physicians from Carle Clinic. After observing your sleep patterns and behaviors, you and your doctors will work together to find the right treatment plan for you.