In recognition of World Sleep Day, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County is reminding residents of the importance of a good night’s sleep.
The World Sleep Society uses the annual occasion to highlight the health benefits of adequate sleep. This year’s theme is: “Sleep is Essential for Health,” and the organization notes that a lack of sound sleep can affect individuals physically, mentally, and socially.
According to the organization, inadequate sleep can affect a person’s attention span, memory, and learning ability. Additionally, it has also been shown to be a risk factor for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
The Florida Department of Health views sufficient sleep as being critical to the overall health of Floridians as well as their quality of life. According to the department’s data, 67% of adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night, and the amount of sleep drops significantly among the state’s youth.
The health department’s data shows that a little over 46% of Florida’s middle school students get at least eight hours of sleep on a nightly basis, and that figure drops to 21.6% for high schoolers. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers get between eight and ten hours of sleep each night.
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County encourages the community to learn more about the negative consequences that are attributable to an insufficient amount of sleep, as well as how to get more sleep for those who believe they are sleep-deprived.
For more information, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, World Sleep Society, or Florida Department of Health websites.