Many families struggle with insufficient sleep, leading to negative impacts on health and well-being. During a recent segment on the Broadcast Retirement Network, host Jeffrey Snyder spoke with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a sleep specialist at Restful Sleep MD, about practical strategies to improve sleep for the entire family.
Dr. Afolabi-Brown highlighted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared insufficient sleep a global epidemic. Research indicates that approximately 35% of people get the recommended amount of sleep. This leaves a significant portion of the population at risk for health issues related to sleep deprivation. The impact of sleep disorders, often undiagnosed, can further complicate matters, leading to further deterioration in overall wellness.
As Snyder noted, many factors contribute to poor sleep across different age groups. Dr. Afolabi-Brown mentioned concerning statistics: around 58% of middle school students and 74% of high school students do not receive adequate sleep. Among adults, nearly 40% of individuals in their 40s are also sleep-deprived. The demands of adulthood, including work stress and various responsibilities, often exacerbate sleep issues.
For parents looking to improve their children’s sleep quality, Dr. Afolabi-Brown emphasized the importance of setting a positive example. Children observe their parents’ habits more than they heed verbal advice. To establish healthy sleep patterns, the doctor introduced a straightforward acronym, CREATE, which stands for:
1. **Consistency**: Maintain regular sleep and wake times for both parents and children. This helps regulate internal biological clocks.
2. **Routine**: Develop a calming pre-sleep routine that signals bedtime. Activities like reading or taking a warm shower can help ease the transition to sleep.
3. **Environment**: Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to rest. A cool, dark, and quiet room enhances sleep quality.
4. **Assign the Bed**: Use the bed solely for sleep, avoiding work, eating, or screen time in the bedroom.
5. **Technology**: Limit technology use before bed, as screens can interfere with melatonin production, making it difficult to unwind.
6. **Eliminate**: Be mindful of food and drink choices before sleep. Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals can significantly improve sleep quality.
While many parents might wonder about the importance of their mattress or bedding, Dr. Afolabi-Brown noted that the fundamentals of sleep hygiene should take precedence. Comfort is important, but without consistent sleep habits, even the best mattress will not ensure restorative sleep.
Dr. Afolabi-Brown concluded by reinforcing that prioritizing sleep hygiene is essential for wellness. As families implement these strategies, they can expect improvements in sleep quality for both children and parents. The conversation on BRN highlighted the significant need for awareness and proactive measures to tackle sleep issues across all demographics.
For those seeking more information on sleep and wellness, subscribing to daily resources like the Morning Pulse can provide valuable insights. As the discussion continues, families are encouraged to explore these strategies to enhance their overall health through better sleep.
