According to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Health Index, “research consistently demonstrates that sleep is a significant component of physical and mental health, as well as overall well-being”.
Sleep Awareness Week is March 13-19 this year. Every year, the National Sleep Foundation takes this time to reemphasize the important connection between your sleep and your health.
So, how is the quality of your sleep? Sleep quality is generally measured in four ways: sleep latency, sleep waking, wakefulness, and sleep efficiency. Briefly, if it takes you longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep or if you wake up in the middle of the night and it takes you longer than 20 minutes to return to sleep, your sleep quality is considered poor. Individuality and ageing can also affect your sleep. For example, as we age, our sleep patterns change and waking up in the middle of the night can be more frequent, however, if you can return to sleep quickly and easily, your sleep quality can remain unaffected.
To learn more about getting a good night’s sleep, refer to The National Sleep Foundation. Education offered include How Electronics Can Alter Your Sleep, Four Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep, Microsleep and more.
Other resources include:
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- CDC – Sleep and Sleep Disorders
- American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
