Good sleep for good health

Sleep is important for overall well-being, affecting how you function every day. But there's so much more to sleep than just the number of hours you get each night. How much do you know?

In recognition of World Sleep Day on March 18, take a look at these interesting facts:

• Getting enough sleep not only helps you feel energized the next day, it helps to improve your memory and boost your immune system.
• Most adults need six to nine hours of sleep a night. Getting fewer or more hours suggests that you have bad sleep habits or a possible sleep disorder that should be investigated.
• Alcohol can disrupt your normal sleep cycle. After the alcohol wears off, you will often sleep more lightly and wake up more easily.
• For each one- to two-hour time change, your body needs a day to adjust.
• Traffic accidents related to sleep deprivation are most likely to happen in the early to mid-afternoon or in the very early morning hours.
• If you're thinking that turning up the radio, opening the window, or turning on the air conditioner will help keep you awake when you're sleepy, they won't.
• Sleeping in on weekend mornings can make it harder to fall asleep on Sunday night and the following weekdays. It's best to try to keep the same bedtime and wake-up time throughout the week.

To learn more about sleep, download this PDF from Johns Hopkins' partners at Work Stride: Managing Cancer at Work and also read its Relaxation Exercises for Better Sleep.

More Johns Hopkins resources

myStrength app
Johns Hopkins employees and their family members interested in learning more skills to improve the quality and quantity of their sleep can download the myStrength app, available in the Apple App store or Google Play (use the access code JHU or JHHS, depending on your employer). The module devoted to sleep hygiene provides an online skills program and activities that you can do at your own pace. The module also can be accessed online at mystrength.com.

mySupport program
If stress is keeping you up at night, you (and your family members) have 24/7 access to free confidential counseling and referral services through mySupport by calling 443-997-7000. You also can check out Tips for More Sound Sleep from mySupport's Resources for Living partner.

Care.com
If your sleep troubles are related to having wakeful young children, read the Care.com article What Age Do Babies Sleep Through the Night? And find additional resources and supports through Family and Caregiving Programs on the Benefits & Worklife website.