Most Americans Don’t Get Enough Sleep
July 30 - Here’s a wake up call for the more than 60% of Americans that are sleep deprived. Experts say there’s a good chance not getting enough Z’s is affecting your health.
Dr. David Winter from Baylor Health Care System is here to tell us more in today’s HealthSource report.
DAN BELL
Good morning Dr. Winter.
DR. WINTER
Good morning Dan.
DAN BELL
So Dr. Winter—sounds like many of us are tired…
DR. WINTER
That’s what the statistics show. And we also now know more about just how sleep depravation can impact our overall health.
One study showed it can affect our appetite. It seems to increase it. So not getting enough sleep may in fact cause us to gain weight.
Other research shows sleep depravation can compromise our immune system—making it more likely for us to get sick. And another study showed it may even up our chances of developing diabetes.
DAN BELL
So it sounds like we should make it a priority to get the recommended eight hours a night?
DR. WINTER
Yes. And here are some tips that may help. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Avoid stimulating activities within two hours of bedtime. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bedtime. Avoid going to bed on a full or empty stomach. And if you suspect you may have a chronic sleep problem such as sleep apnea—see a doctor.
And here’s something else—it is possible to catch up on sleep if you do it regularly. So if you have the opportunity to sleep in on the weekends—take it.
DAN BELL
Great information Dr. Winter. Thanks for joining us on today’s HealthSource report.
For more information you can call 1-800-4-BAYLOR.