Nowadays, many of us are trying our best to fit as much as we can into each day. From tackling work projects to attending our children’s after-school activities, we can feel as though there are not enough hours in the day.

Therefore, in order to create more hours in the day, we give up our sleep hours, which could actually be doing more harm than good. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Smyrna wants you to understand the importance of a good night’s sleep so that you can start making sleep a priority.

How Much Sleep Should I Be Getting Every Night?

Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for optimal health. Children and teens need more sleep, and the exact amount varies depending on the child’s age.

Older adults can get by with slightly less sleep, aiming for between seven and eight hours of sleep night.

Effects of Lack of Sleep

• Memory issues
• Trouble thinking and/or concentrating
• Mood changes
• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Weight gain
• Weakened immune system
• Poor balance
• Increased risk for heart disease

Can Napping Help Make Up for Lost Sleep?

The short answer is no. Taking naps during the day cannot counteract the negative health effects of not getting enough sleep at night.

In fact, napping for too long or too often can actually interfere with your sleep pattern, which can cause bigger problems in the long run. If you need to nap, keep it to 20 minutes at most and not late in the day.

Good Sleep Habits

• Stick to a sleep schedule.
• Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual.
• Exercise daily.
• Keep the bedroom cool and dark.
• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you think it could be because of an underlying medical issue? Visit AFC Urgent Care Smyrna today for a medical evaluation. No appointment is necessary!