Sleep has often become the most underrated, and yet very important tool for health and longevity. According to the National Institute of Health, adults require 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night for optimal rest and repair of the body in order to consolidate memory and regulate important hormones. Poor sleep is strongly associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cognitive decline.
Dr. Eliopoulos emphasizes that quality sleep is not about how much you get, it is about consistency and creating a restorative environment. Dr. Vass suggests getting into a regular pattern of sleep, reducing exposure to blue light in the hours before bedtime, and making the bedroom quiet and dark. Improved sleep quality and experience had been associated with better cardiovascular health, improved immune status, and lower levels of systemic inflammation.
