As the summer season approaches, many may find themselves experiencing difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. Research has shown that people tend to sleep less during the summer months, which can be attributed to various factors such as increased daylight hours, higher temperatures, and changes in daily routines. That said, what are the risks of not getting enough sleep at night?

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Sleep plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. When we do not get at least seven hours of quality sleep regularly, it can have serious consequences on our physical and mental health.

The effects of sleep deprivation can manifest in various ways, including daytime sleepiness, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and slower thinking. In the long term, persistent lack of sleep can lead to, or exacerbate, serious health issues such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, obesity, immunodeficiency, pain, and mental health disorders. 

It is important to prioritize getting enough sleep each night to ensure optimal functioning of our body’s systems. By making sleep a priority and establishing healthy sleep habits, we can reduce the risks associated with sleep deprivation and improve our overall health and well-being.

Dr. Andrew Valenzuela, a Sleep Specialist from Banner Health, emphasizes the importance of getting enough hours of sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation can be the cause or worsen existing health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Valenzuela.

To combat sleep disturbances during the summer months, Dr. Valenzuela provides the following recommendations:

  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
  • Create a cool and comfortable sleeping environment.
  • Only use your bed for sleeping, not for other activities including electronics, as this can interfere with healthy bedtime associations.
  • Limit exposure to screens before bedtime, the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep deprivation or struggling to get the recommended amount of sleep each night, call your nearest Banner Sleep Center and request a sleep consultation.