by Brandon Micale, SPT
How Does Sleep Affect Your Health?
If you didn’t set an alarm would you be able to get up in time?
Humans and other mammals benefit from having an internal clock that revolves around sleep. Although this clock doesn’t tell us the exact time of day, it does control a normal sleep/wake cycle. This internal clock, however, relies on us sleeping for a normal 7-9 hours and consistently waking up and going to bed at the same time. The balance of the aforementioned statement has been deemed “sleep health”.
Importance of Sleep Health
Sleep health is important for keeping our immune system strong, reducing chances of disease such as Alzheimer’s, Cardiovascular disease, and cancer, helping to control blood sugar levels, and also supporting a healthy diet via hormones and gut microbiome. Additionally, higher quality sleep is associated with emotional/psychological health and our ability to learn, remember, and make decisions. Our brains use light, temperature, foods, and social interactions to help determine and maintain our sleep/wake cycle.
Our day to day activities play a major role in sleep health. Chemicals such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine all alter our brain’s ability to maintain a healthy sleep cycle. Other factors such as stress, exercise, noise, and diet will also play a role.
Good Sleep Habits
Research has suggested the following tips to help get a good nights sleep:
- A bedroom temperature of 65-69 degrees
- Sleep in complete darkness
- Try and go to bed at the same time every night
- Regular exercise
- Reduce alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine intake
The benefits of improved sleep health can also play a role in improved psychological and emotional well being, improved health and immune function, breaking the pain cycle, improved physical activity, and improved cognitive function.
The physical therapy experts at Capital Area Physical Therapy & Wellness in Queensbury, Saratoga Springs and Latham NY can provide exceptional support in treating sleep-related conditions. Doctors Andrew J Gaetano, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS and Evan J Marsh, PT, DPT and their skilled staff can evaluate and address your particular sleeping difficulty. Contact us at 518-289-5242 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation. Serving Ballston Spa, Clifton Park, Latham, Malta, Saratoga, Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George region.
