We live in a world where it is easy to fill our days and evenings with endless events. Whether it is a demanding job, active social life, family activities, or personal hobbies, we can sometimes fall into a pattern where getting sufficient sleep is the least of our priorities. Yet, the importance of sleep cannot be overstated.
Scientific research has consistently highlighted the crucial role of getting enough restful sleep for maintaining overall health and well-being. Inadequate sleep has been linked to a range of health issues, from obesity and depression to diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Sleep deprivation is even responsible for many accidents, as people attempt to drive, operate machinery, or undertake risky activities when they are too physically and mentally tired to perform them safely.
However, problems with sleep go far beyond just allocating our time better. In many cases, people encounter difficulty sleeping or getting restful sleep. Even when someone allocates sufficient time to sleep, a person may end up fighting insomnia, waking often, or not getting quality sleep. Sleep disorders encompass a variety of problems related to the quality, timing, and duration of sleep, leading to daytime discomfort and impaired functioning. These issues frequently intertwine with medical and mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.
To address the myriad problems that arise, Northwest Specialty Hospital (NWSH) offers a comprehensive solution through its state-of-the-art Sleep Center.
The Importance of Sufficient Restful Sleep
Sleep needs change as we age, with children requiring around 10 hours each night, teenagers between 9 and 10 hours, and adults between 7 and 8 hours. These periods of sleep give our bodies time to heal. When you are young, your body needs that sleep to recover from an active day and help your cells regenerate as you grow and mature. However, the National Sleep Foundation estimates that 30 percent of adults sleep less than six hours each night, and merely 30 percent of high school students obtain eight hours of sleep on school nights.
An estimated 50-70 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep disorders, jeopardizing their overall health and quality of life. Among the array of sleep-wake disorders, insomnia is the most prevalent. Still, other conditions include obstructive sleep apnea, parasomnias, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. Sleep difficulties can also contribute to or exacerbate physical and emotional health problems. Approximately one-third of adults exhibit insomnia symptoms, with 6-10 percent meeting the criteria for insomnia disorder.
Sleep deficiencies carry grave consequences. People with chronic sleep disorders experience fatigue, decreased energy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and mood disturbances. These problems often coexist with symptoms of depression and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle where sleep problems exacerbate mental health conditions and vice versa.
Moreover, the repercussions of insufficient or poor-quality sleep extend to chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and even neurologic disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Sleep disturbances may also be early indicators of medical concerns like congestive heart failure and osteoarthritis.
If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder, consulting with your doctor about a sleep study at NWSH’s Sleep Center could be the first step toward a better, healthier life.
Northwest’s Sleep Center Can Help with Sleep Disorders
NWSH’s Sleep Center is endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the foremost professional society dedicated exclusively to sleep medicine. The Sleep Center’s accreditation by the AASM reflects its commitment to providing the highest standard of care.
The mission of the Northwest Sleep Center is to restore your ability to achieve a sense of restfulness from your sleep. We use cutting-edge polysomnographic equipment to study your sleep patterns while you rest in rooms designed to create an environment conducive to restorative sleep. A team of professional sleep technologists oversees the process, ensuring a thorough and accurate analysis.
Normally, night-time sleep occurs in cycles of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM phases, each playing a distinct role in rejuvenating the body and mind. Additionally, the timing of sleep should align with the body’s circadian rhythm, a 24-hour cycle that helps regulate sleep-wake patterns. When your sleep is ordered properly and your periods of rest coincide with your natural circadian rhythm, it can make a revolutionary difference in how you perform during your waking hours.
Whether you’re grappling with sleep disorders or facing health challenges stemming from poor sleep quality, reach out to the Northwest Sleep Center. By entrusting your sleep-related concerns to our expert team, you can take a critical step toward reclaiming the rejuvenating power of a restful night’s sleep and achieving a healthier and happier life. Contact Northwest Specialty Hospital today.