1 in 3 Americans don’t get enough sleep, according to the CDC. While the amount of sleep you need may vary based on your genetics and lifestyle, you likely need at least 7 hours of sleep.
In the short-term, lack of sleep can cause you to be sleepy, less alert and emotionally strained. In the long-term, lack of sleep can cause more serious issues, including a higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack and a weakened immune system.
In the meantime, read up on 7 reasons you might not be sleeping well and how our doctors can help.
Reaching for another cup of coffee? Before taking a sip, know that how much caffeine and when you have it can impact your sleep. Generally, it’s okay to drink up to 4 cups of coffee per day – but doing so in the afternoon can affect your sleep.
Too much caffeine can also lead to headache, nervousness, irritability, frequent urination, fast heartbeat and muscle tremors.
Not sure if you’re drinking too much coffee? Your First Stop Health provider can provide personalized insights and advice.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), often simply called anxiety, is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S. Those with an anxiety disorder deal with excessive, ongoing worry and fear that interferes with their everyday life. Oftentimes, this worry and fear can make it hard to sleep.
Not sure if you have anxiety? Take our free screening. A virtual primary care doctor can diagnose and treat anxiety, depression and more. When appropriate, your treatment plan may include prescriptions and specialist referrals.
Trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much) can also be a symptom of Major Depressive Disorder, which is often simply referred to as depression. For extended periods, people with depression live with feelings of sadness and/or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. Symptoms also include trouble concentrating, anxiety, slowed thinking and speech, anger, tiredness and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
Not sure if you have depression? Take our free screening – and remember that you’re not alone. Compassionate care is just a few taps away. Schedule a visit with a First Stop Health Virtual Primary Care doctor to get diagnosis and treatment via phone or video.
While you may find that alcohol can help you fall asleep quickly, drinking can also prevent you from getting the deep sleep you need. In addition, alcohol can cause you to:
To get better sleep, try turning your devices off a few hours before bed or at least dimming the brightness or using device modes that are better suited for nighttime use.
If you think your medication may be affecting your sleep, schedule a virtual primary care visit. Your First Stop Health Virtual Primary Care doctor can prescribe and help manage your medications.
Affecting about 50 million Americans, a sleep disorder is a type of condition that affects the quality and amount of sleep you get. These include the following.
If you need testing and diagnosis for a sleep disorder, your First Stop Health doctor can provide in-network referrals.
Ready for some quality Zzzs? Try these tips at bedtime to help your body and mind relax.
There are lots of ways start sleeping better. You and your First Stop Health Virtual Care provider can create a personalized care plan that works best for you. When appropriate, your care plan may include prescriptions, specialist referrals and lab orders.