Basic HTML Version
YOU
lead a busy life. Between
work, family and social activities,
you’re always looking for ways to
cram more into your day. But the
one thing you don’t want to do is cut
back on your sleep.
Sleep is a necessary part of life—
as important
to your health
as air, food and
water. When
you sleep well,
you feel good and are produc-
tive. When you don’t get enough
sleep, your health, well-being and
productivity can suffer, according
to the National Sleep Foundation
(NSF).
Benefits of sleep
“Planning your day so that you
get enough sleep is essential to your
overall health and quality of life,”
says Irving Smith, DO, sleep medi-
cine specialist at Sharon Hospital.
Not getting enough sleep can
lead to poor job performance, risk
for injury and illness, and di culty
getting along with others. It also can
make it harder to perform tasks,
concentrate and make decisions,
according to the NSF.
Sleep needs vary from person
to person. “Most adults need to get
seven to nine hours of sleep a night,”
Dr. Smith says. “It’s also important
that your sleep be uninterrupted.”
Sleep tips
Establishing a regular schedule
that includes going to bed and wak-
ing up at the
same times each
day—even on the
weekends—can
help you get a
good night’s sleep.
To sleep well, the NSF recom-
mends that you:
w
Avoid foods or drinks containing
ca eine close to bedtime.
w
Refrain from eating large meals
late at night.
w
Exercise regularly, but complete
your workout at least three hours
before you go to sleep.
w
Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking
cigarettes.
w
Set up a relaxing bedtime routine.
Taking a hot bath, reading or listen-
ing to music can all help you relax.
w
Create a good sleeping environ-
ment that is dark, quiet and cool.
If you still have trouble sleeping
or feel tired, talk to your healthcare
provider. You may need a sleep study.
SLEEP
Bedtime for Bobby:
Help your child get enough sleep
Don’t skimp on sleep
To schedule a sleep consultation,
please call
860.364.4525
.
Getting a child to go to bed can be a
challenge. But a regular sleep schedule is
vital, because a tired child is more likely
to develop health and behavior problems
than a well-rested one, according to the
National Sleep Foundation.
Sleep needs vary by age. The American
Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends
that:
w
Infants (3 to 11 months) get 14 to
15 hours of sleep per day.
w
Toddlers (1 to 3 years) get 12 to 14 hours.
w
Preschoolers (3 to 5) get 11 to 13 hours.
w
School-age kids get 10 to 11 hours.
To help your child sleep well:
w
Have your son or daughter follow a
consistent bedtime routine.
w
Set up a dark, cool and quiet sleeping
environment for your child.
w
Don’t let your child watch TV or movies
or play video games near bedtime.
w
Don’t let your child have food or drinks
with ca eine near bedtime.
Talk to your child’s doctor if you
think your son or daughter isn’t sleeping
well.
6
q
lifeand health
The Sleep Center
at Sharon Hospital
860.364.4525