The importance of sleep

Get a better night’s rest with Best Health tips.

Our Best Health^® wellness team explains the importance of sleep and shares their best tips for a great night’s rest in this helpful webinar. Find out how sleep affects your body, how to improve your sleep and more.

Why is sleep important?

Sleep is important for every process in the body and affects your physical, mental and emotional health. Not getting enough sleep can make it hard for you to focus on work, drive safely or have the energy to finish tasks.

Support your health by getting enough sleep.

Without enough sleep, your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity or depression may increase, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.

Know how much sleep you need.

Adults need between 7 or more hours of sleep per night, the CDC says. There are two types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep. While you sleep, your heartbeat, breathing and muscle and eye movements change.

Identify sleep barriers.

Sleep barriers, like an inconsistent bedtime, not enough movement or stress can keep you from sleeping well at night. To get a better night’s rest, create a bedtime routine, try to keep daytime naps under 20 minutes and do some light stretching or relaxing exercises before bed.

Create a restful sleep environment.

Turning off lights and electronics, cooling down the temperature and listening to white noise or calming music are great ways to make your room the best place to rest. If you wake up and can’t fall back asleep, try getting out of bed after 20-30 minutes or practicing relaxing breathing exercises.

Try these tools to support your sleep and health goals

Log in or register for the Best Health wellness program to find learning modules and activities you can use to learn more about the importance of sleep. One-on-one health coaching can help you to meet your other health goals — explore sessions for stress management, healthy eating and more. Plus, watch our wellness webinars for ways to add movement, mindfulness and well-being tips to your day.

The importance of sleep

Get a better night’s rest with Best Health tips.

Why is sleep important?

Support your health by getting enough sleep.

Know how much sleep you need.

Identify sleep barriers.

Create a restful sleep environment.

Try these tools to support your sleep and health goals

You may also like …

How to fall asleep when worries keep you up at night

What happens in the deepest level of sleep?

Quick Links