Spotlight on Well-Being: Sleep

Sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood, and health. Not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of many diseases and disorders. These range from heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia. Learn if you've had enough sleep, sleep hygiene, medical considerations that can impact sleep, and resources to improve your sleep.

Have You Had Enough Sleep?  

Signs your sleep quality needs to improve:

  • You take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep after you get into bed.
  • You regularly wake up more than once per night.
  • You lie awake for more than 20 minutes when you wake up in the middle of the night.
  • You spend less than 85 percent of your time in bed asleep.
  • You feel tired and have difficulty concentrating during the day. You may be drinking more caffeine to stay alert.
  • You feel hungry more often, especially for junk food, and gaining weight.
  • You feel more stressed out , emotionally exhausted, and angrier than usual.
  • You’ve been diagnosed with insomnia.

Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene encompasses both environment and habits, and it can pave the way for higher-quality sleep and better overall health.

Medical Considerations