Why Practice Sleep Hygiene?

Missing out on the recommended 7-9 hours of shut-eye nightly does more than just make you wake-up feeling groggy and tired. It can have long-term  adverse effects on both your mental and physical health.  

This is why practicing sleep hygiene is important for everyone of all ages, from childhood through adulthood. A good sleep hygiene routine promotes healthy sleep and daytime alertness. Good sleep hygiene practices can also  prevent the development of sleeping problems and disorders that can persist indefinitely if no changes are made to your habits.

Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Listed below are some of the effects poor sleep hygiene can have towards your health.

  1. Memory/Cognitive Issues – During sleep your brain forms new connections that help in processing and recalling new information. As a result of poor sleeping habits, you can negatively impact both your short-term and long-term memory. Your concentration and critical-thinking skills are also lacking when you are sleep deprived.
  2. Weakened Immunity – Little to no sleep leads to a stunted immune system leaving you more vulnerable to viruses and making it more likely that you will fall sick when exposed to germs.
  3. Risk of High Blood Pressure – Sleep studies have shown that if you get 5 hours or less of sleep per night your risk of developing high blood pressure increases. This increased risk of high blood pressure also correlates to an increased risk of developing heart disease as increased blood pressure is one of the underlying associated factors.
  4. Risk of Developing Diabetes: Low amounts of sleep also affects your body’s release of insulin causing a spike in your blood sugar levels. This is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Watch the video below for some additional information regarding the effects of sleep deprivation to help round out your understanding on this topic.