A number of recent studies have found that more than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.
Sleep accounts for nearly one-third of the human lifespan. Not only is sleep important for our daily functioning, it has many systemic health benefits. Sleep helps control our metabolism and weight, promotes stable moods, helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, boosts our immune system function, increases knowledge retention, and helps us with long and short-term memory.
Foxhall Internists' Dr. Sandra Delistathis stresses that sleep disorders and chronic sleep loss can put you at an increased risk of physical and mental conditions, which can affect your overall health. Dr. Delistathis advises that sleeping for 7 to 8 hours a night is best for maintaining a healthy metabolism among adults.
Individuals who have any concerns about the amount or the quality of sleep they are getting, or who feel tired and fatigued even though they think they are getting enough sleep, are encouraged to speak with their doctor.
