Getting enough good quality of sleep is essential for your mental and physical health. When you don’t get enough of it, you may notice problems with your mood and concentration. Meanwhile, long-term sleep deprivation can increase your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Did you know that poor sleep can also impact your hearing health? We review the link below.
What Does the Research Show?
One 2012 study published in the journal BMC Neuroscience claims, “The results presented here provide a demonstration that acute sleep deprivation for a period of 24 hours is sufficient to significantly worsen [central auditory processing] (CAP) in neurologically and psychologically healthy men and women.”
The study authors go on to say, “Impairment of CAP following sleep deprivation may be due the effects of extended wakefulness on neurobiological functions that are critical for the processing of auditory information, including memory, attention, concentration, reaction time, stimulus perception, and behavioral regulation.”
How To Get Enough Good Sleep
To get enough good quality sleep, follow our tips:
- Turn off screens. At least 45 minutes before bed, turn off your screens. This includes your TV, laptop, tablet and phone. The reason this is important is because the blue light emitted from screens can trick your body into thinking it’s daytime. Instead, before bed you can read or listen to a podcast.
- Avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol before bed. If you’re hungry or thirsty, instead have some fresh fruit from Stuart Green Farmers Market on hand.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarettes are stimulants and can also make it hard for you to fall asleep if you smoke too close to bedtime.
- Keep your room dark. Getting blackout curtains or sleeping in a sleep mask can help you fall asleep faster.
- Wear earplugs. If your partner is on a different schedule than you or they’re a loud snorer, earplugs can help you get better quality sleep.
For more information about healthy hearing habits or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call The Hear Care Center today.