Sleep’s Impact on Your Health and Well-Being

From the National Sleep Foundation

Sleep plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. You know what it feels like after a good night’s sleep. You wake up refreshed, alert and ready for the day. Important to your sleep health is not only sleeping the National Sleep Foundation’s recommended 7-9 hours of nightly sleep (for adults), but also getting quality sleep.

The good news is that you can improve your sleep health with simple actions starting today. Soon, you’ll be able see a renewed ‘you’ after taking small steps each day and night that make a big difference in sleep health. That’s how you become your Best Slept Self.™

Your Best Slept Self

Simply put, becoming your Best Slept Self starts the moment you wake up and continues until you get into bed at night. It’s shaped by your daily and nightly habits and behaviors. To get that refreshing sleep, it takes only a few small but intentional actions that will make a big difference in your sleep health. Following your daily and nightly routines can lead you there. Your Best Slept Self is that radiant, positive feeling reflected in the way you look and navigate the day.

Small Steps that Make Big Sleep Health Impact

Prioritizing your sleep health means doing certain things day and night that will help you to sleep well and wake up refreshed and alert. Having a routine and doing these activities daily helps prepare your body and mind for good sleep.

During the Day

Certain daytime activities will make a difference in how well you’ll sleep hours later at night. One easy step is to get exposed to bright light, especially when you wake up, and throughout the day, as light sends signals to your brain to stay awake. Spending time outdoors is a good source of light exposure. Exercising regularly can also promote better sleep, as well as eating meals at consistent times.

At Night

Your bedtime routine helps you wind down to sleep. Just as light exposure is important during the day, when it’s evening, limiting light exposure will tell your body that it’s getting close to bedtime. As you prepare to go to sleep, you can do some calming activities, such as reading a book or soothing breathing exercises, to quiet your mind and reduce stress.  

Sleeping Environment

Finally, a few easy steps to optimize your sleep environment can set the stage for good sleep. Sleep in a darkened room and minimize noise that may disrupt sleep. Consider earplugs or a sleeping mask to block excess noise and light. Keep the room temperature cool, between 60 to 67 degrees. You may need to change your sheets or blankets to fit the weather and sleep comfortably.

Your sleep won’t improve overnight, but through simple, small steps reinforced daily – day and night – you’ll see positive results. Follow these helpful SLEEP tips to help you sleep better and check out National Sleep Foundation’s sleep resources at TheNSF.org.