Quality rest is crucial to not only your day-to-day function, but also your mental and physical health. Without it, your body and brain won’t have a chance to recover from a long day of work, leading to a chain reaction of symptoms that can lead to a higher risk of developing medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, depression, and more. March 12th through 18th is National Sleep Awareness Week, which means there’s no better time to reflect on your quality of rest and how it may be impacting your life.
A Little About National Sleep Awareness Week
In 1998, when daylight savings began, the National Sleep Foundation dubbed a week in March as National Sleep Awareness Week in hopes of bringing attention to poor quality of rest in Americans. A study that they conducted showed that 45% of Americans experience poor or insufficient rest that impacts their daily lives. The goal of this week is to discuss the benefits of healthy rest as well as highlight some common barriers, like sleep apnea, that can prevent people from getting the sleep they need to function and maintain good overall health.
The Dangers of Poor Quality of Sleep
Not getting enough sleep, or not getting the quality of rest necessary to help your brain and body recuperate daily can lead to a variety of problems that are safety hazards not only for yourself, but for others around you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults between 18 and 65 years of age get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If not, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing dangerous side-effects, including:
- Chronic health issues like kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Drowsy driving that could lead to car accidents.
- Working while drowsy, which could be severely dangerous if you operate machinery, are in a healthcare setting, or other important positions that require you to remain alert.
Reclaiming Your Life by Taking Care of Your Health
One of the leading causes of sleep deprivation is obstructive sleep apnea, which is estimated to impact over 326 million people in the United States. While you may be getting your full eight hours of sleep, sleep apnea can lead to frequent nighttime interruptions, which could prevent you from reaching a deep and restful sleep state.
If you experience signs of this common condition, like chronic, loud snoring, frequently waking up and gasping for breath, or fatigue, it may be time to do something about it and reclaim your health and life. There are several treatments available, including CPAP therapy as well as customized oral appliances that can help open your airways to ensure you receive enough oxygen as you rest. These can help you get the quality of sleep you need to live a healthy and productive life and are well worth the investment of your time and money this National Sleep Awareness Week!
About the Author
Dr. Erin Prach is happiest when she’s able to help her patients experience a positive difference in their lives. That’s why she’s so passionate about helping sleep apnea sufferers find relieve with customized oral appliance therapy. She is a proud Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and has received the “Qualified Dentist Designation” from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, demonstrating her skill and knowledge in sleep apnea therapy. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call 307-337-4770.