Sleep awareness is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. This Sleep Awareness Week, Orchard Place wants you to understand the significance of how sleep allows individuals to establish healthy habits. Adequate sleep plays a vital role in cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health. By being aware of the importance of sleep, people can make informed decisions to improve their sleep quality, leading to better concentration, enhanced mood, and a reduced risk of various health issues. Prioritizing sleep awareness can ultimately contribute to a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
Lindsey Strable, the Director of Nursing at Orchard Place, says recommended sleep for children and teenagers is between 8 to 10 hours, while adults need 7 to 8 hours. “If someone is sleep deprived, depending how severely, it has been known to have the same effects as someone that is impaired,” she explains. Helping to weigh in on the subject, Stacy Overman, a Physician Assistant, says to establish a sleep schedule and bedtime rituals like brushing your teeth to help you get a good night’s sleep. “We have children here at Orchard Place that have been effected by lack of sleep,” said Overman. “It may have changes in their mood, appearance, or behaviors. Children may also begin to have difficulties in school with focusing, understanding information, or completing work.”
Both Strable and Overman agree that getting a good night's sleep is crucial. When you consistently get enough quality sleep, you allow your body to repair and rejuvenate itself. This can help improve your immune function, increase mental clarity, and enhance your mood. Adequate sleep also plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy weight, as it regulates the hormones that control hunger and appetite.
Furthermore, a good night's sleep can boost your memory and learning abilities. During sleep, your brain processes and consolidates memories from the day, which can improve your cognitive function and problem-solving skills. Not to mention, proper rest can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By prioritizing sleep and establishing a bedtime routine, you can reap the many benefits that come with a restful night's rest.