Why Good Sleep Matters (And How You Can Get More of It)

Let’s be real: most of us wish we could get more sleep. Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, a solid 8 hours can feel like a fantasy. But here’s the thing—sleep isn’t just a luxury. It’s a game-changer for your health, mood, and even your waistline. 

So, why does sleep matter so much?

The experts say adults should aim for 7–9 hours a night, with 8 being the sweet spot. When you hit that target, you’re not just less cranky—you’re boosting your memory, focus, creativity, heart health, and even your immune system. On the flip side, missing out on sleep can make everything from stress to chronic health problems worse. 

If you’re struggling to get those ZZZs, don’t worry. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Here are some small tweaks that can make a big difference: 

1. Power Down Your Devices Before Bed 

Ever find yourself scrolling on your phone or watching TV to “wind down,” only to feel wide awake later? That’s not a coincidence. The blue light from screens tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, which messes with your natural sleep cycle. Try putting your devices away at least 30–60 minutes before bed. Instead, dim the lights, read a book, or just relax in a calm environment. 

2. Make Your Bedroom a Sleep Sanctuary 

Light—even from alarm clocks, streetlights, or your phone—can mess with your sleep. The darker your room, the better. Move glowing gadgets away from your bed, invest in blackout curtains if you need to, and keep the TV off at night. If you like background noise, try a white noise machine instead. 

3. Keep It Cool 

Did you know your body sleeps better in a cooler room? If your bedroom is too warm, you might toss and turn all night. Aim for a temperature between 68–72°F (20–22°C) for the best sleep. You don’t have to freeze—just keep it comfortable. 

4. Check Your Lifestyle Habits 

Sometimes, life gets in the way of good sleep—late nights at work, family responsibilities, or just being too busy. But if you’re regularly getting less than 6 hours, it might be time to rethink your routine. Prioritizing sleep can actually help you handle stress and stay healthier in the long run. 

5. Watch Your Exercise Timing 

Exercise is great for sleep, but timing matters. Try not to work out too late in the evening—your body needs time to wind down before bed. Save intense workouts for earlier in the day, and use your evenings to relax. 

Don’t Forget: Nutrition Matters Too. Even with perfect habits, things like nutrient deficiencies, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can mess with your sleep. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals, and watch out for stimulants in the afternoon or evening. And if you’re taking medications that affect your sleep, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives. And there’s more. Have you ever wondered why you keep waking up in the middle of the night just to pee—even when you’re sure you didn’t drink a ton of water before bed? I recently watched a video by Dr. Bobby Price that is a real eye-opener to what’s going on, it’s something so many of us deal with, but hardly anyone talks about. First off, Dr. Price makes it clear: waking up to pee at night is common, but it’s not actually normal. It’s a sign that your body is trying to tell you something—either there’s a habit that needs tweaking, or your body is dealing with an underlying issue that needs a little TLC. 

So, what’s causing all these nighttime bathroom trips?

Dr. Price breaks it down simply. Sometimes, it’s as straightforward as drinking too much water or herbal tea too close to bedtime. But it can also be about more than that. Caffeine, alcohol, and even certain foods can irritate your bladder or mess with your body’s natural rhythms, making you more likely to wake up. And if you’re dealing with stress, blood sugar imbalances, or even side effects from medications, those can all play a role too. 

Most of us have no idea how much these interruptions mess with our sleep cycles. Every time you wake up, your body has to start the process of falling back into deep, restorative sleep all over again. That means you’re missing out on the real benefits of sleep—like better memory, mood, and immune health. 

What can you do about it? Dr. Price’s advice is refreshingly practical: 

• Try to limit how much you drink in the last couple of hours before bed. 

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening. 

• If you’re still waking up, take a look at your diet and lifestyle—sometimes, a few tweaks can make all the difference. 

• And if you’ve tried everything and still find yourself up at night, it might be time to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health issues. 

Consider Dr. Price’s tips with what we’ve shared about sleep hygiene—like keeping your room dark, cool, and device-free—and hopefully this information will really help you get those uninterrupted hours your body craves. Waking up at night to pee isn’t just annoying—it’s a signal from your body. Listen to it, make some gentle changes, and you might just find yourself sleeping through the night (and feeling so much better in the morning).

Don't hesitate to contact me to discuss how you can live a more vibrant lifestyle and the many options we offer to assist you on your journey.