Why is sleep important for health?

The three pillars of health are nutrition, physical exercise, and sleep. All three of these are connected.

For example, if you don't sleep well, you may not eat well. People get food cravings when they haven't slept well, and they often crave a food with lots of carbohydrates (carbs) like a cookie. And when you are tired, the last thing you want to do is go to the gym.

People who are fully functioning pay attention to all three. They must all be working together for better health.

Here are some other health benefits of sleep:

promotes growth
helps heart health
supports weight management
helps combat germs and keep your immune system strong
reduces risk of injury
increases attention span
boosts memory and learning

Some people have conditions that prevent them from getting enough quality sleep, no matter how hard they try. These problems are called sleep disorders.

If you regularly have problems sleeping, talk with your health care provider. They may have you keep a sleep diary to track your sleep for several weeks. They can also run tests, including sleep studies. These look for sleep disorders.

Sleep apnea is another common sleep disorder. In sleep apnea, the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep. This reduces or stops airflow, which wakes people up during the night. The condition can be dangerous. If untreated, it may lead to other health problems.

Symptoms Suggesting a Sleep Disorder

Excessive daytime sleepiness
Loud snoring or gasping for air
Trouble falling/staying asleep
Unusual movements during sleep
Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping

If you’re having trouble sleeping, hearing how important it is may be frustrating. But simple things can improve your odds of a good night’s sleep. See the Wise Choices box for tips to sleep better every day.

Treatments are available for many common sleep disorders.

Medications can also help some people.

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.

Create a restful sleep environment.

Limit screen time before bed.