Better Sleep for Better Health

One of the biggest health challenges people face today is a lack of sleep. Modern life can make prioritizing getting a good night's sleep challenging. However, sleep is as vital for good health as diet and exercise.

Poor sleep can increase the risk of several health conditions. But there's more to quality sleep than the hours you spend in bed. Keep reading to learn more about enhancing your health by improving your sleep.

Health Benefits of Sleep

Sleep is essential for your body's repair and recovery. Some repair processes occur primarily during sleep and can be disturbed by poor sleep schedules. While you sleep, your brain consolidates memories, removes toxins, and prepares for more learning and creativity.

Some health benefits of good sleep include:

Improved memory
Increased attention span
Reduced injury risk
Stronger immune system
Better weight management
Enhanced heart health

Getting Enough Sleep

Research suggests that most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. However, a tiny percentage of the population has a "short sleeper" gene that allows them to function well with 4 or 5 hours of sleep.

Studies found most self-identified "short-sleepers" do not have this gene and often rely on caffeine and other stimulants to stay alert when they consistently get less than 7 hours of sleep.

Some individuals may need more than 8 hours of sleep to feel well rested. Children typically need more sleep than adults to support their growth and development.

Sleep Quality

Getting quality sleep isn't just about how long you sleep. You need uninterrupted, refreshing sleep at night to function at your best during the day.

Sleep consists of a cycle of several stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. Each stage is characterized by different patterns in brain activity, and studies suggest that each is essential for different repair processes.

One sleep cycle lasts about 90 minutes. Most individuals go through four or five cycles per night. These cycles can be disturbed if you have trouble falling asleep and repeatedly wake up during the night, which can cause you to still feel tired after waking up.

Health Risks of Poor Sleep

Sleep affects all aspects of brain and body function. As a result, sleep deprivation can have significant adverse consequences for your health.

Routinely getting poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep is linked with 7 of the top 15 causes of death in the United States. These include:

Heart disease
Cancer
Brain disease
Accidents
Diabetes
Sepsis
High blood pressure

A lack of sleep can also affect your mood, appearance, mental performance, and energy levels. All of these factors can significantly impact your quality of life.

Tips for Better Sleep

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can improve sleep quality and health.

Here are some tips for a better night's sleep:

Avoid sugar, caffeine, and alcohol before bed. These foods and beverages can interrupt your sleep and disturb your sleep cycles.
Turn off all electronic devices two hours before bed and store them outside your bedroom. Allow your brain to unwind and prepare for sleep without distractions, and use an alarm clock instead of your smartphone to wake up.
Sleep in a dark room. Light, especially blue light, stimulates your brain and can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Keep your bedroom cool. Your core body temperature drops during sleep, so a cooler room helps you fall asleep faster.
Follow a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help your body stay on a regular rhythm.
Prioritize your comfort at night. Your sleeping surface and bedding should be comfortable to ensure you can fall asleep quickly and stay asleep.

Better Sleep with Back on Track

Many people struggle to get good quality sleep due to chronic pain and stiffness. Back on Track's Welltex® technology helps alleviate general body aches and discomfort through a soothing far-infrared thermal effect, allowing you to get the quality sleep you need.

The Back on Track Mattress Pad is ideal bedding for year-round use. Its high breathability and temperature-regulating properties help you wake up feeling refreshed.

Pair the mattress pad with the Back on Track Fleece Blanket for soothing warmth and comfort. All Back on Track blankets and bedding include Welltex, which helps stimulate circulation and support overall wellness.