Lisa Artis
Deputy CEO, The Sleep Charity
Poor sleep impacts everything from mental clarity to physical health. Discover expert advice, practical tips and the latest innovations to transform your nights and boost your wellbeing.
Why is sleep so crucial to our health and wellbeing?
Lisa Artis: Sleep is the foundation of good health and wellbeing. When we are asleep, our bodies recover, and our brains consolidate memories and process information. You can tell when you’ve had a poor night’s sleep as it affects your mood, concentration and energy levels.
If you sleep poorly over a longer period, it can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Mentally, it can exacerbate anxiety and depression and impair cognitive function.
What are some common misconceptions about sleep?
One myth is that you can ‘catch up’ on sleep at the weekend. While a lie-in can help a little, it doesn’t reverse the impact of chronic sleep deprivation. Another is that everyone needs eight hours — in reality, sleep needs vary by age and individual, ranging from six to nine hours for most adults.
While a lie-in can help a little,
it doesn’t reverse the impact
of chronic sleep deprivation.
What healthy sleep habits should people adopt?
Consistency is key. Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends. Create a calming bedtime routine; avoid screens, caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals before bed. Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly environment: dark, quiet and cool. Prioritise relaxation techniques like mindfulness or reading to wind down.
What are sleep disorders?
It’s estimated that around 14 million people in the UK have an undiagnosed sleep disorder and that people wait six years before seeking help for their sleep issues. This is a serious situation where education and support are much needed.
There are many different types of sleep disorders. They all affect quality of sleep and often impact a person’s ability to properly function during the day. Most can be identified by one or more of the following:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Struggle to stay awake during the day
- Imbalances in circadian rhythm that disrupt a healthy sleep schedule
- Prone to unusual behaviours that disrupt sleep
Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea are two of the most common sleep disorders.
When should you contact a GP with sleep problems?
If you’ve been struggling with sleep for over four weeks, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or your bed partner notices loud snoring or gasping noises, it’s essential to consult your GP.
