Ensuring that you get quality sleep is more important than ever during cold and flu season. According to the Sleep Foundation “evidence indicates that in both the short- and long-term, sleep deprivation can make you sick”. Your immune system needs to be regulated and not in constant overdrive mode to function properly. Getting quality sleep is an important component of a healthy immune system.
How Much Sleep Do I Need?
As a general rule, most adults need at least 7 hours of quality sleep per night. This allows your body to go through the proper sleep cycles. Even if you’re sleeping more than 7 hours, if your sleep is fragmented, you could be sleep-deprived. Children and teens need even more sleep than adults.
The Stages Of Sleep
Your body does amazing things while you sleep. Every stage is important for recovering and preparing for the next day. Ideally, you will cycle through these stages 4-5 times per night.
Stage 1 – Light sleep, less than 5% of your overall sleep time.
Stage 2 – Deeper sleep (memory storage and learning) about 45% of overall sleep time
Stage 3 – Deepest sleep (the most repairing and critical stage) that makes up for about 25% of overall sleep time
Stage 4 – REM sleep (dream state with rapid eye movement) makes up the remaining 25% of overall sleep time
Am I Sleep Deprived?
In the short term, a few restless nights will likely not affect your long-term health. However, chronic sleep deprivation (fragmented sleep of less than 7 hours per night for 3 months or longer) will undoubtedly affect your quality of life and possibly cause health issues. A physician should be consulted if you’re in this situation.
Consequences of Improper Sleep
Even just a couple of restless nights will likely leave you a little groggy, grumpy, and even hungry. However, chronic sleep deprivation can cause weight gain, hormone imbalance, pain sensitivity, and even cardiovascular issues.
The power of sleep is undeniable! Prioritizing your sleep needs will benefit your life in many ways. In contrast, disregarding your body’s need for quality sleep can have serious health consequences over time.
At Bed’r Mattress we take sleep seriously! We’d love to help you get the most out of your days by getting the most out of your night’s sleep. Visit Bed’r Mattress online or in-store!