Not long ago, health experts didn’t understand the power of sleep; however, over the decades, an increasing body of evidence has shown that it is critical to our survival. Studies have shown that sleep doesn’t just keep us refreshed and alert; it helps to keep us healthy and able-bodied, and it all begins early on.
Cognitive Support
Research from York and Sheffield Hallam universities suggests that sleep enhances language and learning skills in children by supporting their memories. In conducting their study, researchers split a group of kids into two classes: one that met in the evening and one that met in the morning. Over a few days, the children learned several made-up words, which they were asked to recall 12 hours after their lessons. In the end, kids from the later classes were much better at remembering their words than were children from the morning classes: an indication that sleep may have played a role in boosting their abilities to remember.
Even More Important for Adults
This new study is just another in a seemingly endless sea of research that demonstrates just how critical sleep is to our health. Past studies have linked insufficient sleep to numerous medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, dementia and more.
What if You Have Sleep Apnea?
As the research piles up, a growing number of people are making lifestyle choices that promote sleep. That said, this sort of strategy won’t help people who suffer from sleep apnea. Because this dangerous disorder causes breathing disturbances, it causes frequent waking, which will continue until a sufferer receives an effective sleep apnea remedy.
Is sleep apnea compromising your health and happiness by keeping you awake at night? Contact Dr. Berry or call the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado at (303) 691-0267 to learn how a simple oral appliance can change your life by allowing you to sleep peacefully every time your head hits the pillow.
