Most Americans aren’t getting enough sleep. Between long hours at the office, schoolwork, taking care of children, and the other responsibilities of daily life, many people find themselves inadvertently burning the candle at both ends.
Sleep is a critical component of your health, and in today’s post, we’ll take a look at just a few of the many reasons why you should prioritize your sleep. When you’ve finished reading today’s post, get in touch with a member of Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson to schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist.
Why You Should Prioritize Your Sleep
Weight Control
Your weight and your sleep are intimately linked. In fact, adults who sleep for fewer than six hours each night are 50 percent more likely than well-rested adults to become obese! This is partially caused by fatigue, which can make it difficult to exercise regularly. It’s also partially due to hormone regulation, as sleep deprivation disrupts the body’s ability to regulate ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates your appetite.
Additionally, poor sleep leads to reduced testosterone levels, and as we noted in a previous post, low testosterone can compromise both your physical and mental well-being. Low testosterone can also cause you to sleep poorly, creating a vicious cycle that requires medical intervention. If you suspect that your testosterone levels are causing you to sleep poorly, then schedule a consultation to find out if you are a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy.
Emotional Well-Being 
Have you noticed that you feel down and are easily agitated when you’re not well-rested? Sleep has an enormous effect on your emotional state, and many mental health issues are strongly linked to poor sleep. As just one example, approximately 90 percent of those with clinically diagnosed depression struggle with insomnia and sleep quality. If you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue, then please get in touch with our Tucson sleep specialists immediately for an evaluation.
Concentration and Productivity
If you’re not sleeping well, then you almost certainly aren’t performing at your best. Sleep affects your concentration, memory, productivity, and cognitive capabilities in general. Some studies have even found that severe sleep deprivation is functionally equivalent to being intoxicated! Whether you have an important test in the morning, or you simply need to be performing your best each day at work, getting at least seven hours of sleep each night is the best way to set yourself up for success.
Immune Function
You’re much more likely to get sick if you’re not sleeping well. Studies show that those who sleep for less than three hours each night are up to three times more likely to come down with a cold than those who sleep for more than seven hours. If you do catch a cold, then make sure that you get plenty of rest in order to recover quickly.
Contact a Sleep Specialist in Tucson
We hope that today’s entry will motivate you to make sleep a priority in your life. Whether you need testosterone replacement therapy, a consultation with a sleep specialist, or another one of our men’s health services, Men’s Vitality Center is here to help you look and feel your best.
Fill out the form below to get started with an appointment.
