Sleep on it: How Sleep Affects Every Area of Your Life

When it comes to quality of life, the right amount of sleep is essential. Allowing your body enough time to recharge energizes you, helps you prepare to face the day, and may also help fight off health problems.

From causing hormonal imbalances to contributing to diabetes and heart disease, sleep deprivation can bring about a host of potential health threats. In order to avoid these dangers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Sleep Foundation recommend adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night.  Having the proper amount of sleep gives your body much needed time to rest and repair itself.  During sleep, your body releases hormones that can impact appetite and weight and regulate energy levels, helping prevent obesity and diabetes. Also, sleep helps control your blood pressure, which may prevent heart disease and boost your immune system.

Having trouble sleeping?  Here are some helpful tips:

• Establish a consistent bedtime.
• Finish eating 2 to 3 hours before bed.
• Sleep in a quiet, dark environment.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.

Difficulty sleeping can put your health at risk, reduce your workplace performance, and increase your chances of motor vehicle accidents.

Those who have a difficult time sleeping should talk to their doctor who may recommend a pulmonologist, a physician that specializes in sleep and respiratory care. Carson Tahoe has three pulmonologists on staff in Northern Nevada, Dr. Faisal Ahmad, Dr. Guy Foster, and Dr. Robert McDonald.