The following Family & Consumer Sciences article printed in the 2020 Spring edition of the Oldham County Extension Newsletter and the UK March 2020 Adult Health Bulletin.

Good Health Begins With Good Sleep

Do you get enough sleep? Unfortunately, most adults do not with one in three falling short. According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults need seven or more hours of sleep per night. The month of March includes Sleep Awareness Week which highlights the importance of good sleep health so individuals can best achieve their personal, family, and professional goals.

Why is sleep so important? Sleep, like nutrition and physical activity, is a critical determinant of health and well-being. Fatigue and sleepiness can reduce productivity and increase the chance for motor vehicle or industrial accidents.

Sleep is important for an individual’s health because lack of sleep is linked to several chronic diseases and conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Depression

Here are some tips to follow that increase your chances of getting adequate sleep:

• Keep a routine. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, including the weekends.
• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature.
• Remove electronic devices from the bedroom.
• Be active during the day to help you fall asleep at night.
• Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.

Whether you try just one of these sleeping tips or achieve all of them, your sleep will improve. Some of these are fast fixes, and some require you to train your body and develop healthier habits. Just remember that making a lifestyle change can be difficult and requires patience. Know that you are not alone. With one in three U.S. adults suffering from inadequate sleep, it is important to take a proactive approach to improve your bedtime habits. Remember, it is a critical part of your overall health that typically gets overlooked, but the better you sleep, the healthier you’ll be.

Sources: Natalie Jones, Kentucky Extension Specialist for Family Health; Alyssa Simms, Kentucky Extension Editor; Centers for Disease Control; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; WhidbeyHealth Medical Center