Why your New Year’s resolution should be to get more sleep

Most of us are aware that we should be getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, but how many of us actually meet that goal? With busy work schedules, personal commitments, and the demands of our families, it often seems impossible to get the rest we need.

With the arrival of the new year, we have an opportunity to change our routines and focus on our health. Unsurprisingly, getting an adequate amount of sleep can have a significant impact on your life, including:

• Better performance at work, school, and in life – A study by researchers at Stanford discovered that two nights of poor quality sleep can have a significant impact on your ability to perform daily tasks. Researchers found that it can take up to six days for you to fully recover after just two nights of inadequate rest.
• You’ll actually stick to your diet – Well-rested people tend to make better food choices. If you’re hungry, your body is more likely to crave carbohydrates and more calories, which often leads to making poor dietary decisions. This is simple biology….when you’re tired, your body produces more of the hormone that signals hunger (ghrelin), and less of the one that tells you you’re full (leptin)
• You might be more motivated to exercise – If you’re not well-rested, your energy levels will likely be much lower than they are when you get enough sleep at night. If you’re tired, you probably won’t have much motivation to hit the gym, go for a run, or do any of the physical exercises that keep you happy and healthy.
• You’ll be better equipped to handle a stressful situation – When you get enough sleep at night, you’ll have more patience for little stressors that pop up throughout the day.

In 2020, you have the opportunity to reflect on the new year and what you can do to improve your health. If getting more sleep is your goal, make sure there aren’t other health issues that are getting in the way of getting a good night’s sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, for example, it can be nearly impossible to get the quality rest that your body and mind need.

Contact the OSA Team

If you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea, contact Dr. Brown and the OSA team to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you find a solution that will have you sleeping soundly in no time. Call us at (631) 983-2463 today.