Am I Getting Enough Sleep?
At Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy, our licensed team of Physical Therapists work together to help you relieve pain utilizing a combo of therapeutic activity and other state of the art treatment strategies and techniques, but nothing aids in the muscle recovery process more than rest, relaxation, and appropriate amounts of sleep. It is important to sometimes take a step back and take a moment to review the importance of sleep. The benefits of adequate sleep is an important part of our lives. Check out the below listed reasons why sleep is so important for our health:
1. Improved memory and learning
Memory consolidation is a process in which appropriate amounts of sleep has been proven to aid the brain in the retrieval of information and recall/memory.
2. Metabolism and weight
Being overweight can lead to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Weight gain is a negative effect of sleep deprivation. That’s why the right amount of sleep is very important. If you need help in losing weight, check out these self help tips.
3. Mood/quality of life
Small amounts of lack of sleep as well as chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to impatience, irritability, lack of concentration, and overall unstable and temperamental mood. Increased perception of anxiety and depression are also likely to occur.
4. Cardiovascular health
Sleep disorders that by most are considered serious such as sleep apnea and insomnia have been linked to hypertension also known as high blood pressure, increased stress hormone levels (which is also linked to weight gain) and heart arrhythmias.
5. Immunity/risk of disease
Sleep deprivation alters immune function. Upon sleep deprivation, you may find yourself getting sick more frequently.
6. Increased inflammatory cells within the body
Increased inflammation and increased sensitivity to pain. Some research indicates that 58% of people with low back pain were found to have sleep disturbance
How Much Sleep Is Enough?
Am I getting enough sleep? The amount of sleep someone may need can vary from person to person, people known as “short sleepers” typically only need between 4-6 hours of sleep/night. Most others require between 7-9 hours of sleep/night. If you think you may be a short sleeper and need only 4-6 hours of sleep per night, think again. Research indicates that being a short sleeper is rare. There are people out there who think they are short sleepers, but are truly not. Eventually these people become sleep deprived. Here is the good news…Sleep can have an effect on motor learning in people, with a nap lasting between 1.0 hour to 1.5 hours you can improve physical and mental performance. Research also indicates this same beneficial effect of sleep is seen in people recovering from neurological problems such as stroke or CVA. Clients receiving physical therapy at Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy after a stroke often have to relearn many movements including but not limited to: walking, activities of daily living like cooking and dressing, and getting up and down steps and staircases. So, getting adequate sleep can facilitate the recovery process and outcomes achieved in physical therapy for a variety of conditions ranging from stroke to low back pain and other painful conditions. People often need to make a conscious effort to get more (sound) sleep. We live in a sleep deprived society. Some research indicates that over 50 million and up to 70 million Americans are affected by one type of sleep disorder or another.
Not Enough Sleep Can Do What?
At Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy, we want you to get fast acting long lasting results. We take pride in getting you better quicker. With that being said, adequate sleep is the foundation for recovery and getting results for your body. You will get out of your body what you put into it. Not getting enough sleep can set off a series of negative problems including:
- Poor health caused by bad food choices. People who suffer from sleep apnea tend to consume foods that are unhealthy and high in cholesterol, protein and fat according to the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
- Heart attacks are more likely when you sleep five hours or less.
- Diabetes is more likely in those who get five hours or less of sleep/day
- Obesity and weight gain are common side effects from sleep deprivation
- Car accidents and motor vehicle accidents are more likely from those who are sleep deprived
- Balance problems and falls are of greater likelihood in those who are lacking sleep. Read more about balance issues here.
- Behavioral issues are more likely in children who do not get enough sleep
- Lack of sleep can cause several problems. The above list represents just a small fractional number of possible negative problems.
Am I getting enough sleep? Well, when you get enough sleep, your body functions better. Do you feel as though you can function better either physically or mentally?
Getting enough sleep and putting your body as your #1 priority will be one of the most important things you do this year. Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy will be available to assist you each and every step of the way. Call Back In Motion Sarasota Physical Therapy at 941-925-2700 today if you want to feel better and function better.
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