National Sleep Awareness Week was created by the National Sleep Foundation to raise awareness about your concerns with sleep and to make sure you are getting enough of it. Sleep is vitally important for the body to function optimally.

To help you become more aware of your sleep habits, the National Sleep Foundation has identified a plan for 7 Days for Better Sleep.

Day 1: Start the week by making time for the sleep your mind and body needs.

Schedule the appropriate amount of time to sleep each night. Typically, an adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Day 2: Leave a couple of hours between eating and going to bed.

Sleep can be disrupted when eating closer to bedtime. If you are hungry, choose lighter, healthier snacks.

Day 3: Power down to recharge!

Blue light from screens can affect your ability to sleep. Turn off mobile devices before you go to bed.

Day 4: Make your bedroom all about sleep.

A comfortable mattress/pillow and cooler room temperatures will help you get a good night’s sleep.

Day 5: Create a bedtime ritual.

Creating a ritual to let your body know its bedtime (meditation or light stretching) will help keep your bedtimes and wake times fairly regular.

Day 6: Put your troubles aside and drift away.

Jot down your concerns on a bedside notepad or practice deep breathing before sleeping.

Day 7: Remember to Account for Daylight Saving Time!

Stay well-rested during this time change by gradually adjusting your sleep pattern.

Have you tried to improve your sleep habits and still experience symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability, trouble concentrating, mood swings or a dry throat upon awakening? You may want to consult with your physician. They can provide you with a sleep questionnaire and additional testing to determine if you are suffering from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, have questions regarding sleep apnea therapy or need assistance finding a referral to a specialist, we are here to help you get on the road to a better night’s sleep.

Nationwide Medical Inc. is a leader in sleep apnea support and CPAP/BiLevel machines and supplies. We have more than a decade of experience serving 100,000 patients with 24/7 clinical support and are contracted with Medicare and most commercial insurance companies. You can reach us at www.nationwidemedical.com or call 1-877-307-2727 (CPAP). Please also visit our cash pay site at www.nationwidemedicaldirect.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided on Nationwidemedical.com is solely for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Nationwidemedical.com is not responsible or liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this site. Reliance on any information provided by Nationwidemedical.com is solely at your own risk.