Nearly 35% of Lake Nona Residents report getting 6 hours or less of sleep.
When compared to the National average, Lake Nona citizens from Survey 1.0 reported sleeping less than 6 hours a night (35% compared to 32%). Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential to our overall health. As the Life Project aims toward improving the wellbeing of our community, we want to discuss why sleep is important.
1. Helps Brain Function
Sleep is one of the main pillars of our health! Our brains are the computers of our bodies; in fact, if our brains were actual computers, it would be the greatest on Earth. Lack of sleep is associated with many negative health effects. It plays a crucial role in our brain's functionality. Cognitive, concentration, productivity, and performance are all negatively affected by sleep deprivation. On the other hand, getting enough sleep can improve academic performance, in children, teens, and adults! Good sleep can maximize problem-solving, cognitive function, performance, and enhance your memory.
2. Keeps emotions in check.
When we’re fully rested, we’re better able to control our emotions and behavior. Results from Survey 1.0 reported that 24% of Lake Nona residents have uncontrollable worry or anxiety, over 6% more than the national average of 18%. There is a close relationship with sleep and mental health. Living with mental health problems can affect your quality of sleep and inversely, the lack of sleep can negatively affect your mental health. One study in 2,672 participants found that those with anxiety and depression were more likely to report poorer sleep scores than those without anxiety and depression2.
3. Reduces disease risks
Individuals who have ongoing sleep deprivation have a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Lack of sleep also affects the efficiency of our immune system. Studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. Getting the proper amount of sleep allows your body to go through the necessary processes to maintain its homeostasis.
So, How Can I Improve My Sleep?
· Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
· Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
· Get some exercise!
· Avoid consuming large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
· Establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
BE APART OF THE LAKE NONA STORY AND TAKE SURVEY 3.0 TODAY
Brought to you by the Lake Nona Life Project.
To learn more about the Lake Nona Life Project visit MyLakeNonaLifeProject.com.
IN HEALTH,
LAKE NONA’S WELLBEING TEAM
References:
Hirshkowitz M, Whiton K, Albert SM, Alessi C, Bruni O, et al. The National Sleep Foundation’s sleep time duration recommendations: methodology and results summary. Sleep Health. 2015;1(1):40–43.
Oh CM, Kim HY, Na HK, Cho KH, Chu MK. The Effect of Anxiety and Depression on Sleep Quality of Individuals With High Risk for Insomnia: A Population-Based Study. Front Neurol. 2019 Aug 13;10:849. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00849. PMID: 31456736; PMCID: PMC6700255.
Paruthi S, Brooks LJ, D’Ambrosio C, Hall WA, Kotagal S, Lloyd RM, et al. Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: a consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. J Clin Sleep Med. 2016;12(6):785–786.