Unfortunately, as much as we don't understand about sleep, quality and sleep length has been linked to numerous health issues. Many patients admit that they seldom ask about their sleep, with their own reluctance to ask for help at the forefront of the problem, along with poor circulation of information.
In the past 35 years, the percentage of men and women who have worsening sleep habits has increased year on year, with the average night's sleep falling from 7.7 hours to 6 hours[2].
The importance of our sleep cycle and the toll on mind and body, has only recently been properly looked at in the past decade, with antiquated views that sleep just equals tiredness discarded.
Poor sleep has been linked to the following in the past decade:
- Stress
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Compromised Immunity
- Decreased sex drive