50 years ago or so, we started researching sleep. We found that sleeping is not just a passive part of our daily lives. We know now that our brains are very active when we sleep and that it actually affects our physical and mental health.
While how much sleep we get each night depends on age, it can also determine how we behave each day, and overtime, why certain health issues have developed. However, there are millions and millions of Americans do not get acceptable amounts of sleep each night.
During the five stages of sleep, our body moves through different stages of both REM, or rapid eye movement, and NREM, or non-rapid eye movement sleep. According to
Tuck, each cycle lasts about 90 minutes, spending an about 5 to 15 minutes in each stage. On average, human’s go through this cycle four to six times per night.
Understanding facts about sleep will make you more conscious of its importance and may even lead you to try to sleep more than you usually do each night.
1. Consequences of sleep deprivation
There really doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day, which causes most people to get to sleep later at night. Overtime, sleep deprivation can really take a toll on someone.
After just one night of deprivation, the body can show some serious physical and mental symptoms and it isn’t just feeling tired. Some of the first symptoms have to do with cognitive function like lack of concentration, and personality changes like irrational feelings of sadness, and irritability.
People who are sleep deprived also have difficulty making decisions and have lower reaction times which is very dangerous if you are driving a vehicle.
Sleep deprivation over time can even contribute to many health problems including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Left-side sleeping
Sleeping on the left side has so many health benefits. It can aid digestion by using gravity to carry waste through the body. It can reduce snoring and sleep apnea, because it keeps your tongue from falling into the back of your throat and blocking the airway.
Healthline speculates that sleeping on the side can also boost brain health. They say that it can help your body clear what is called interstitial waste from the brain. A brain cleanse like this can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It can also reduce the risk of epileptic seizures.
Sleeping on the left side can also reduce heartburn. On the left side, the acid in the stomach rests lower in the esophagus. If you suffer from GERD, sleeping on the left side is the best option to keep stomach acid at bay. Right side sleeping can actually make this condition worse.
3. Can’t get out of bed in the morning?
There is a name for people who have a hard time getting up in the morning. The condition is called dysania. While many people take not being able to get out of bed lightly, dysania is actually a serious condition and can be triggered by a major depressive disorder you may not know you have.
4. How much should you be sleeping each night?
An adequate amount of sleep is based on age. Young, developing children need more sleep than teens, middle aged, and elderly adults. According to
Helpguide, Newborns need around 17 hours of sleep, while 3-5 year old’s only need around 12. Teenagers 14-17 years old need around 9 hours while young adults to elderly keep a consistent necessity of 7 to 9 hours each night.
A sufficient amount of sleep promotes optimal brain function, development, and immune health.
What is the recipe to a good night’s sleep? Well, lots of things but a great mattress is the best start.
At
Wholesale Mattress Center, you can find the largest selection of mattresses in the area, and an extensive collection of furniture to rival any of the national retailers. Our offerings include mattresses and accessories by Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Simmons, Beautyrest, Stearns & Foster, and many more.
Located on Opelika Road, our showroom is convenient to both Auburn and Opelika, and our delivery service extends throughout Lee County and beyond. Our expert knowledge of sleep and technology and our second-to-none customer service are the qualities that truly set us apart. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect choice for your sleep comfort, at any price range.
Wholesale Mattress is an Auburn tradition, serving our area for over 20 years. We provide personalized service and are always here to help. Get in touch with us via our
website or contact us at 334.821.0558.