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?

Related to: 

• Men's Health