The Importance of Healthy Sleeping Habits

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 1 in 3 adults aged 35-64 are not getting enough sleep. The same study shows that 1 in 5 adults do not find their sleep refreshing, and half of the adult population has troubles going to or staying asleep throughout the night. The current Canadian sleep recommendations are 7-9 hours of sleep for adults aged 18-64, and 7-8 hours of sleep for seniors 65 and over.

Sleep is a vital process which allows your body to recharge in order to properly function. Starting your day after having a restless night is a feeling that everyone can relate to and for some it can be a frequent occurrence. As we get older and our lives get busier, it can be harder to prioritize proper rest. Many factors are related to insufficient sleep in adults, the main reasons include: 

• Lack of mobility
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic pain or stress

With some dedication, sleep concerns can be minimized with a variety of tools and healthy practices. Healthcare Solutions carries a wide selection of sleep enhancement products to ensure you can rest with peace of mind.  

Lack of Mobility

Being inactive can affect your chances of getting proper rest. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, adults who get insufficient sleep report more sedentary time in comparison to adults who get adequate sleep. Physical activity can help by increasing your body's pressure to sleep by feeling tired.

Living a sedentary lifestyle can be a result of various reasons. For people who lack strength during mobility, products like exercise peddlers can help you increase your activity conveniently at home and with minimal effort. Supportive products like walkers, rollators, canes, and walking poles also provide additional help when you are on your feet for long distances. For people with that are more physically capable, a wide range of at-home exercise products can conveniently help you get more active. 

For people with limited mobility, maneuvering throughout the night can be difficult. Adjustable beds and bed rails can help you move freely and with confidence so you focus on your rest. The bed position can also be adjusted according to your preference for maximum comfort. 

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a health disorder that causes you to stop breathing throughout the night while you sleep. It causes your airways to block and results in snoring or gasping for breath. Untreated sleep apnea can result in more serious conditions like high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, or even depression. Sleep apnea can develop from obesity and unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking.

A CPAP machine can help promote healthy sleeping by opening the airway passages so you can breath easily throughout the night. You can even purchase CPAP pillows that are compatible with the masks for a more comfortable sleeping experience. For mild cases of sleep apnea, products like a anti-snoring nose ring, chin straps, or snore-free essential fragrances can help open up airways. Using a wedge pillow can also help improve breathing while your are asleep. 

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, mild cases of sleep apnea can be treated by: 

• Weight loss
• Quitting smoking and drinking
• Avoiding sleeping pills
• Sleeping on your side
• Sticking to a regular sleeping schedule

Chronic Pain and Stress

Health Canada states that nearly 8 million Canadian's live with chronic pain which can make it difficult to get a good nights sleep. Using pain creams, hot cold therapy, massagers, or TENS/EMS units can help ease the pain so you can rest. Therapeutic pillows and cushions can also help by decreasing pain in targeted areas while sleeping so you can wake up feeling more refreshed. 

Chronic stress can make it difficult to sleep with peace of mind and can lead to disorders like insomnia. It is important to address your concerns and take part in stress relieving activities so that you can rest with peace of mind. Aromatherapy and products like the SoundSpa can help you feel more at ease so that you are more likely to have a better quality of sleep. Weighted blankets add gentle pressure to help relax your muscles and create a sense of calmness. 

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Always remember that good sleep is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. Poor sleeping patterns can seem like a minimal concern at first, but the effects can be everlasting. Prioritize your health by taking the proper steps to address your concerns. The professionals at Healthcare Solutions can help you maintain healthy sleeping habits so you can enjoy life to the fullest.