'Tis the Season…to Be Aware of the Importance of Sleep

Cranky? Stressed out? Too many things to do and too little time to do them? Yep, the holiday season is upon us, and it can be one of the most hectic and nerve-wracking times of the year. With the flurry of activity – food shopping, gift giving and general merry-making – one thing that often gets overlooked is getting a good night’s sleep.

Most of us recognize that diet and exercise are key factors in maintaining our health and well-being. But did you know that the third pillar of health is sleep? It’s estimated that more than 70 million Americans, and a billion people worldwide, do not get a good night’s sleep. And those sleepless nights can have a serious impact on your quality of life, upsetting everything from decision-making abilities, to personal safety to health decline (increased risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases).

Here are a few quick tips to help get you through the holidays:

Plan ahead so tasks (and stress) don’t pile up on you. According to an American Psychological Association (APA) Stress in America™ survey, many respondents reported that their stress increased when the length and quality of their sleep decreased. Resulting stress symptoms included irritability and anger, losing patience, changes in mood, feeling sluggish, lazy, sad or depressed.

If you have a regular schedule, try to stick to it – the human body thrives on routine! This includes maintaining your normal exercise routine.

Watch out for those cocktails. Too much alcohol diminishes the quality of your sleep. Alcohol can also make existing sleep disorders worse.

Just say no every once in awhile – partaking of all the seasonal goodies combined with the busy schedule can lead to restless sleep. Research also shows that when you don’t get enough sleep, your appetite for foods with high fat content goes into overdrive, contributing to the cycle.

Watch our video to learn how Somnology’s Plex® Sleep Scanner can help you get a better night’s sleep. The Plex® Sleep Scanner was invented by practicing certified sleep specialist, Dr. Melissa Lim. Backed by clinical trials and experts in design and engineering, the Plex® uses sensors with healthcare accuracy and reliability that go beyond capturing sleep behaviors, giving you and your doctor real-time information about possible underlying sleep problems.

Give yourself the gift of a good night’s sleep.