A chronic lack of sleep
is also linked to serious
health conditions, such as
diabetes, obesity, depres-
sion and heart disease.
Once you have these prob-
lems, getting too little sleep
can make it harder to manage
them.
MYTH:
If I’m not sleeping
enough during the week, it’s OK
to catch up on the weekend.
FACT:
While sleeping in on Satur-
day may seem like a sound strategy,
keeping a regular bedtime and waking
schedule—and sticking with it on the
weekends—is a better plan. Changes in your
sleep schedule, even if you’re “catching up,” can interfere
with your sleep cycle, which may mean more lost sleep
and fatigue in the long run.
MYTH:
Exercising before bed will help me
sleep.
FACT:
Physical activity can be a sleep
aid—but only if you time it right.
Exercising close to bedtime can invig-
orate you and make getting to sleep
more di cult. If you normally
work out at night, try switching to
a morning routine. If you have to
wait until later in the day, try to
time it for at least three hours
before you hit the sheets.
Get more shut-eye
If you’re having trouble
dri ing o , simple changes
may help. Try these:
w
Relax before bed with a
good book or a warm bath.
w
Avoid naps, particularly
a er 3 p.m. If you do nap,
keep it short—limit it to no
more than 20 minutes.
w
Don’t eat or drink too
close to bedtime.
Source: National Institutes of Health
For more
information about
the Sleep Center at
Sharon Hospital or to
schedule an appointment
with Irving Smith, DO,
please call
860.364.4525
.
Getting those
ZZZs
?
IF YOU’VE HAD
a bad night’s sleep, you may see it in
your face the next morning. But chances are the rest of
your body—including your brain—is paying for
it too.
No matter who you are, sleep is es-
sential for good health. It can help you
make memories and good decisions,
and it can help prevent illness. If
you’re not sure you believe in the
bene ts of a good night’s sleep,
these facts just might change
your mind.
MYTH:
I do ne on just a
few hours of sleep.
FACT:
Adults typically
need seven to nine hours
of sleep per night. Sleeping
less can a ect your mood,
memory, energy level and
productivity.
Missing out on
sleep can a ect
your mood, memory
and energy level.
2
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life and health
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