Living in a fast-paced world leaves us little to no room to recharge ourselves. Furthermore, getting by with less sleep is an option too many of us have made just to keep up with the demands of our day-to-day responsibilities.
While this is becoming the norm, is this actually beneficial in the long run? What causes people to lose a certain amount of sleep anyway? How many hours do we really need every night? Also, how can we achieve a full and relaxed sleep at night despite our hectic schedule? Keep on reading and find out the answers to these common problems.
How much sleep do we need daily?
Most of us, especially adults, seem to be fine with a 6-hour sleep every day, but this might not be sufficient enough. The recommended hours of sleep every day is 7-9 hours. While most people would think this is too long considering the amount of work that needs to be done in a day, it’s actually better to put off work at a later time than suffer the consequences of sleep deprivation.
Additionally, the amount of sleep isn’t the only consideration you need to remember. The quality of sleep is also an essential factor that determines whether you are getting the right kind of sleep that makes your body function properly.
Why do people have less sleep every day?
1. Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are those conditions that prevent you from getting enough sleep on a daily basis. It may be caused by stress but certain psychological problems and medications can also be possible causes of sleep disorders
There are several types of sleep disorders, and these can affect how long a person sleeps every night and what quality of sleep they’re getting. There are some people who get the recommended amount of sleep every day, but still, end up feeling extremely tired the whole day. If you feel that you might have a sleeping disorder, it’s best to consult a doctor immediately.
2. Medical Conditions
It’s possible that lack of sleep might be induced by certain conditions that prevent you from getting the right kind of sleep. Injuries, for example, hinder you from shifting to a comfortable sleeping position. Back pain can also cause discomfort, especially if you are using a mattress that is not fit for you. Elderly people may also find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep if they have arthritis. With swollen joints, it’s more difficult to change sleeping positions.
3. Hormonal changes
Menopausal women are highly susceptible to losing sleep due to the changes in their hormones. Hot flashes can cause them to wake up drenched in sweat in the middle of the night, and will make it difficult for them to fall asleep again.
Pregnant women will also find it hard to get enough sleep at night due to hormonal changes. While this mostly happens to those who already have an existing sleep problem before they get pregnant, any pregnant woman may still experience this, especially during the first trimester.
Is oversleeping good for your health?
While it sounds like a great idea, oversleeping is not healthy. Just like sleep deprivation, having too much sleep daily can cause several health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, and may even be a sign of depression.
How can you get better sleep?
1. Follow a sleeping schedule.
Set a specific time for sleeping and waking up, even on the weekend. This way, you are training your body when you should feel sleepy and at what time you should naturally wake up without using any alarms.
2. Create a great sleep environment.
Make sure that the room temperature is cool. Dim the lights and make sure that there aren’t any objects in the rooms that may emit a loud sound. Use noise-canceling earbuds and sleep masks. Make sure that your mattress and pillow suit your preferences for a comfortable sleep.
3. Try to avoid using gadgets before bedtime.
Computers and mobile phones emit blue light, which disrupts your body’s internal clock, also known as circadian rhythm. As much as you want to check on your social media accounts, it’s best to do that on the next day instead.
4. Avoid consuming food that will keep you awake.
Do not drink coffee before bedtime. Alcohol may make you feel sleepy and tired, but it will just worsen the quality of sleep you’re getting. As an alternative, drink hot milk or herbal tea. These warm beverages are actually helpful to sleep better at night. You could even try some natural sleep aids that will promote sleepiness and improve the quality of your sleep.
