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The Power of Sleep

February 5th, 2024

Most adults need seven or more hours “good-quality” sleep consistently each night. Learn how to create a comfortable sleep environment to improve your sleep.

Sleep is crucial for both our mental and physical health. Lack of sleep or “poor-quality” sleep can have negative effects on many different aspects of our health and well-being.
 

Our Physical Health

Sleep is essential to our immune function, hormone regulation, and metabolism. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. Sleep also plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to repair and regenerate, and lack of sleep can impair this process.

Our Mental Health

Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating our mood and emotions. Chronic sleep deprivation or “poor-quality” sleep has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Sleep disturbances are also common in people with mental health conditions, and improving sleep quality is often a key part of treatment.

 

Having trouble falling or staying asleep?

There are many factors that can make it hard to sleep, including stress, caffeine, drugs, pain, as well as untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia. If you are experiencing any of the following common signs of sleep disorders, you may be at risk for sleep apnea.

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Frequent loud snoring
  • Pauses in breathing or gasping while sleeping
  • Feeling tired after a good night’s sleep or feeling sleepy during the day

The good news is that Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! may be able to help.

As a part of this year’s program, we are encouraging all employees and their spouses to find out if they may have sleep apnea. To begin the process, you must first complete your Health Assessment Questionnaire. In the questionnaire you will be asked to select “yes” to initiate the sleep screening process. Within a few weeks you will be contacted by a sleep specialist who will evaluate whether you clinically qualify for a free WatchPat® ONE Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT).

For more information, check out the 2024 Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Frequently Asked Questions.

Seize the Zzzz

And speaking of sleep, registration opens February 7 for the Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! Seize the Zzzz Challenge which starts February 21st. Get tips to improve your sleep and earn points toward your $500 Reward!