World Sleep Day 2023

This year World Sleep Day is on March 17^th. World Sleep Day varies every year because it is always on a Friday before the spring season arrives. World Sleep Day is an event that is held every year by the World Sleep Society, a non-profit organization in the United States. World Sleep Day is a day that brings awareness globally regarding better sleep for your mental and physical health. Healthcare providers give out information about sleep and how to improve your sleep for better health.

Every year there is a different theme for World Sleep Day. This year the theme is “Sleep is Essential for Health.” Sleep is becoming more important than ever especially because many people go out being sleep deprived in school, college, work, and in other public areas. Sleep deprivation affects you mentally and physically since you cannot focus on what you are doing no matter what time it is. Never drive your car, bicycle, or another vehicle when you lack sleep.

Sleep deprivation is common when you are a caretaker for an older adult or a baby. It also occurs when you go through menopause and before menopause. Also, working too many work hours without any breaks makes you reduce your sleep hours. Chronic conditions and waking up in the middle of the night are other factors that affect your sleep. Painful cramps from a menstrual cycle make it difficult to sleep at night which is a common complaint that is given to their doctors.

Patients must tell their doctors that they are having problems sleeping so they can tackle and pinpoint the main source. Sleep deprivation is one symptom of a sleep disorder. Although not all sleep disorders have the same symptoms, a lack of sleep affects the nervous system. However, keep in mind that not all sleep disorders are affected by the nervous system. Medications are usually prescribed to help you sleep better but they may not always correct the problem.

Consequently, other factors such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and doing things out of impulse due to lack of sleep cannot be managed with just a sleep medication. A lack of sleep also affects the immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. Speak to your primary doctor for tips and for finding ways to improve your sleep. Often you may need a combination of sleep medications and other recommendations to help you find relief from your chronic conditions, menstrual cycle, and other issues that are interfering with your sleep. Melatonin may also be prescribed for improving your sleep, but it is not for everyone.

Birth control pills are also another reason for sleeping too much or feeling drowsy throughout the day. If you take birth control pills, progesterone by itself, or other hormones for hormone therapy; Discuss with your doctor how to manage the drowsy side effects and interactions you may have with other medications. Progesterone is a hormone that acts as a sedative, and it makes you feel drowsier when combined with a blood pressure medication. Do not rely on medications for getting a good night's sleep. Your primary doctor needs to be aware of how the medications interact with your Endocrine system and your entire body. 

The Endocrine system is where your hormones are stored, produced, and released. Although not all women have issues with hormonal therapy, birth control, or progesterone, women need to be conscious when they take it combined with other medications. Sometimes spacing the time frame between medications help you feel less groggy throughout the day. People taking blood thinning medications need to consult with their primary doctor before taking Melatonin. If you are pregnant or have other conditions, it is best to consult with your primary doctor for helping you make a sleep routine. 

Making a sleep schedule is beneficial for anyone so you can wake up alert and make good decisions. Find a nice sleep position, pillow, and mattress, and arrange your bedroom appropriately for sleep purposes. Avoid stimulants and anything that keeps you awake at night. Manage your emotions and let your body prepare itself for sleep. Here are more websites about sleep. 

Up in the Middle of the Night-How to Get Back to Sleep-Johns Hopkins Medicine:

Up in the Middle of the Night? How to Get Back to Sleep | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Best Sleeping Positions-The Sleep Doctor:

Best Sleeping Positions - The Sleep Doctor

World Sleep Day Organization:

World Sleep Day Organization

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