According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults living in the United States are not getting enough sleep at night. Although the amount of sleep we need to be our most productive varies from person to person, the overall need for quality sleep is the same across the board.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville wants you to know how you can start getting the sleep you need at night so you can protect both your mental and physical health year after year.

What Can Poor Sleep Do to My Health?

Not getting the sleep you need can affect more than just your mood. When you don’t get enough quality sleep, you’re at an increased risk of many health conditions, including heart disease and stroke.

Beyond that, you’ll also experience a full range of uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms, affecting both your physical and mental health.

Common Sleep Disorders

• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Insomnia
• Sleep paralysis
• Restless legs syndrome
• Circadian rhythm disorders
• Narcolepsy
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

How Can I Get Enough Quality Sleep?

Getting enough sleep can be challenging for many people. But there are steps you can take to set yourself up for better sleep.

First, set—and stick to—a consistent bedtime and wake time, which will help your body become accustomed to when it needs to wind down and when it needs to wake up. Beyond that, set your bedroom up as a conducive sleep environment by keeping it cool and dark and turning off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime.

Benefits of Quality Sleep

• Keeps your heart healthy
• Helps prevent cancer
• Reduces stress
• Improves memory
• Helps you to lose weight
• Reduces inflammation

Are you having trouble sleeping at night? Visit AFC Urgent Care Knoxville today for a medical evaluation to ensure an underlying health issue isn’t to blame.