National Sleep Awareness Week is the second week of March! This awareness week is designed to make you stop and think about your personal sleep habits and whether you’re getting enough quality sleep.

In recognition of this week, our team at AFC Urgent Care Pineville wants to share some insight into how much sleep you need—and how to get it. Read on as we take a look.

How Much Sleep Do I Need?

Everyone is different when it comes to how much sleep is needed a night. But there are some basic guidelines. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night to be at their best. Older adults may get by with only seven to eight hours.

However, when it comes to children and teens, more sleep is needed since they’re growing and developing. Sleep recommendations for kids vary depending on the child’s age.

Benefits of Quality Sleep

• Prevents cancer
• Reduces stress
• Lowers inflammation
• Makes you more alert
• Improves memory
• Helps you maintain a healthy weight
• Reduces your risk of depression

How Can I Get Better Sleep?

It all boils down to your habits, basically. Most of us have poor “sleep hygiene,” meaning we aren’t setting ourselves up for success when it comes to sleep.

To get enough quality sleep, practice these basics—stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-time for every day of the week, keep your bedroom cool and dark, limit the use of electronics in the hour or two before going to bed, and create a soothing routine to get you ready for bed.

Signs You Are Not Getting Enough Sleep

• Yawning
• Moodiness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Depressed mood
• Difficulty learning new concepts
• Forgetfulness
• Inability to concentrate or a “fuzzy” head

We are open! Visit AFC Urgent Care Pineville if you are feeling under the weather. We’re here seven days a week.