Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Sleep and Your Health

Table of Contents


Overview

Most adults do best when they get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day. Sleep gives your brain a little vacation. During sleep, your brain has time to:

When you don't sleep well night after night, you can have what's called sleep deprivation, or sleep debt.

Besides affecting your energy level and your mood, sleep debt affects your body in other ways. For example:

Not getting enough sleep is linked with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and depression. Sleep debt can also cause serious problems like car crashes and work-related accidents.

What can cause sleep problems?

Many things can cause sleep problems, including:

How can you get help for sleep problems?

If you often have trouble sleeping or you feel very tired and find it hard to function during the day, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can check for any health problems that may be affecting your sleep. And let your doctor know about all medicines and natural health products you take. Some may affect your sleep.

A counselor or therapist can help you cope with stress and may offer techniques for falling asleep. There are also steps you can take on your own to manage your stress.

To help you fall asleep, you may need to change your routine before you go to bed. Try limiting caffeine during the day. And avoid using your TV, computer, or smartphone while you are in bed.


Credits for Sleep and Your Health

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.