Eye on health: Getting better sleep is crucial, here's how to do it
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- If you're like most of us you could use more sleep or better sleep.
Louisiana chief medical officer Dr. Kevin Stephens told us about the benefits of committing to better sleep habits and the lasting long-term effects of getting enough sleep.
"Many people have problems getting to sleep. They just cant get and stay to sleep for whatever that may be," said Stephens.
Side effects from sleep deprivation are more than feelings of restlessness.
"Thats when you grow and when you get all the things you need. Your mind downloads and all things happen when you sleep. You really should have a healthy sleep life.
According to the CDC a third of U.S. adults get less than the recommended amount of sleep which is seven or more hours per night, increasing the risk of long lasting health effects.
Dr. Stephens says there are several causes to sleep deprivation. Some of the most common include insomnia, depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, other health related factors and even too many stimuli.
"Our society is filled with so much stimuli. You stay up on the internet and just scroll for any length of time," Stephen explained.
Dr. Stephens says you can increase your quality of sleep by being intentional, like resetting your circadian rhythm which is your bodies natural sleep cycle,
"You get on a pattern of sleep. The better you adhere to that the better you will function," said Stephen.
Creating a wind-down routine such as turning off bright lights, avoiding external stimuli, avoiding caffeinated drinks and reading a book or listening to soft sounds can also help with getting better sleep.
Dr. Stephens says it's never too late to adopt better sleeping habits and strongly encourages parents to do the same for their children.