The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

According to a recent health & wellness blog in the Boston Globe, Dr. Charles Czeisler, head of the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, thinks America is in the midst of a health crisis– but nobody wants to talk about it.

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

This epidemic has nothing to do with smoking or eating too much fast food. It’s not about lack of exercise, either. So what’s the big problem, according to Dr. Czeisler?

Sleep. And Americans simply don’t get enough. Having a good night’s sleep is essential.

People who sleep less than seven hours per night (on average) are more likely to be on the wrong end of a range of health markers. Just some include:

  • Heart disease – sleep deprivation affects blood pressure and also is related to certain cancers
  • Immunity – people who sleep less are more susceptible to catching the common cold
  • Obesity – lack of sleep is tied to abnormal hormone activity, a major factor in becoming overweight
  • Mental health – mood disorders are much less common in those who sleep at least 8 hours per night
  • Longevity – fewer than six hours of sleep per night increases the probability of premature death

Plus, Dr. Czeisler noted that certain performance attributes like athletic training and memory improved as people slept more often.

But a major problem is awareness. Dr. Czeisler likens the sleep epidemic to the anti-smoking efforts of 50 years ago. There is simply not enough education about sleep, not to mention that everyday life in the 21st century – increased work hours and around-the-clock schedules – discourage healthy sleep cycles.

During a much-publicized TED (Technology, Entertainment & Design) Talk, circadian neuroscientist Russell Foster explained how sleep (and lack thereof) is related to a host of health factors. Dr. Foster referenced a memorable quote from Jim Butcher, a fantasy writer. According to Mr. Butcher, “Sleep is God. Go worship.”

At Sit ‘n Sleep, we think Dr. Czeisler would agree with Mr. Butcher’s sentiment. That’s why our selection of mattresses, bedding accessories and furniture are designed to create a more restful retreat. It might appear unconventional, but the road to more robust health could start with more shut-eye.

If you’d like to improve your sleep, Sit ‘n Sleep is the perfect place to start. We have convenient locations all throughout Southern California. For general information, call us at 1-866-890-8083 or check out our contact page.

 

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