10 Ways to Get Better Sleep

If you’re  like most Americans, you have spent some days feeling tired and sleepy. Adults should get seven to eight hours of sleep each night (NIH), but more than 25% of the U.S. population report occasionally not getting enough sleep, and 10% experience chronic insomnia (cdc.gov).

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can function on a smaller amount of sleep than normal and not have it catch up with you. Even if you don’t keep track of the sleep that you are missing out on, your body does. Sleep debt is the term used to describe the amount of sleep you are deficient. For example, if last night you received one less hour of sleep than you normally require, you have a sleep debt of one hour. If you then miss out of two hours of sleep tonight, you then have a combined sleep debt of 3 hours. The need for those 3 hours of sleep does not go away and your body still requires that you obtain that deficient sleep. Sleeping in on weekends may not be enough to repay your sleep debt and prevent the effects of lost sleep.

Daytime sleepiness could be a result of many different things- from stress to environmental factors, or something more serious. The following are the most common sleep disorders:

• Insomnia – difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

• Obstructive sleep apnea- the upper airway is blocked intermittently during sleep

• Restless legs syndrome- urge to move the legs, often in response to crawling or tingling sensations.

• Narcolepsy- excessive daytime sleepiness, often with sudden muscle weakness, the inability to talk or move upon falling asleep/awakening.

Other medical conditions that cause daytime sleepiness include asthma, heart failure, and rheumatoid arthritis among others. Fluctuating work schedules, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can also cause disrupted sleep patterns and daytime sleepiness.

Sleepiness can have serious consequences. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths in 2013 (cdc.gov).

In addition, work-related accidents have been identified as a result of a lack of sleep. Sleep is helpful for creating memories and learning information and decreased sleep has been shown to hinder school performance, concentration and memory. Lack of sleep can also negatively impact mood and behavior.

If you want a good night’s sleep, try the following “Sleep Hygiene” tips (yoursleep.aasmnet.org) :

1. Use the bed for sleep and sex only (don’t pay bills, do work or other activities in bed)

2. Get into bed only when feeling sleepy.

3. If you go to bed and are unable to fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed, do something relaxing until you become drowsy and then return to bed.

4. Get out of bed at the same time every morning (even on weekends)

5. Don’t exercise too close to bedtime

6. Avoid caffeine and nicotine

7. Avoid alcohol before bed

8. Make your bedroom conducive to sleep: keep the temperature on the cooler side, keep your room dark, and minimize distractions such as electronics, cell phones and computers

9. Avoid large meals late at night.

10. Take time to wind-down before bed

These tips can help daytime sleepiness caused by insomnia. If your daytime sleepiness is caused by a condition other than insomnia your treatment may be different. Make sure that you visit your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. For videos on sleep and sleep medications, please check out the following:

Are Sleeping Pills Safe? What You Need to Know https://youtu.be/cHSqmjU3zAc

How to Get the Best Sleep Ever https://youtu.be/4NjNKIS5G4U

Can't Sleep? How to Sleep Better https://youtu.be/NH5TF4QCDjA

 Best wishes for a great night’s sleep! -Dr. Jen