Sleep Tips for Men to Improve Recovery

Is getting 5 or 6 hours of sleep per night enough? It's a question that's worth learning about — nearly 35 percent of adults get less than the recommended 7+ hours per night. Sleep is essential to your overall well-being. Poor quality and insufficient sleep have short-term and long-term consequences. In the short-term, poor sleep may result in loss of attention span, poor decision-making, fatigue and irritability. The long-term implications, which are more compelling, include an increased risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, and depression.

Why get 7-9 hours of sleep each night?

• It helps maintain brain function                              
• It helps reduce your risk of disease
• It helps improve daytime performance and safety
• It helps improve your emotional health

Tips for better sleep include:

• Power down to recharge
  • Turn off devices 30 minutes before bedtime
• Keep a regular pattern of bedtime and waking
• Say “no” to late day caffeine
  • Caffeine is a stimulant and may disrupt sleep

Sleep affects every aspect of your waking life. It is essential to your overall well-being. Seek help if you're not getting a good night's rest. Here are a few sample questions you might ask your doctor if you’re concerned about sleep:

1. Would it be helpful for me to keep a sleep diary? If so, what should I keep track of?
2. Are there lifestyle changes I could make that might help me sleep better?
3. What are the potential benefits and risks of prescription and over the counter sleep aids?

For more information regarding Men’s Health, visit www.myuhc.com

Related to: 

• Men's Health