Sleep
Facts About Sleep
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “you spend about one-third of your life sleeping”.1 For someone who lives until 80 years of age that is approximately 26 years spent sleeping. Despite this average, there are many individuals who feel they don’t get good sleep. So what is good sleep anyway?
For adults, there are three main components of good sleep which include: 2-3
- Getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night
- Sleeping through the night and feeling energized when you wake up
- Going to sleep and waking up around the same time each day
Research indicates that survivors of domestic violence often experience difficulties with sleep.4-6 Sleep difficulties may include sleep that is short in duration, nightmares, or sleep that does not feel restful.6
Impact on Health
Sleep is an activity that can have a major impact on your body. Sleep impacts your brain, your feelings, and your overall physical and mental health.1 Click on the icons below to learn more about how sleep affects you.2-6
Tips for Good Sleep
There are several strategies you can try to promote good sleep. Click on the chart below to learn more about the things to do and to avoid when creating good sleep habits.2-3
Seeking Medical Help
If you continue to have difficulties with sleep it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. When speaking with a healthcare provider you may find it helpful to keep a sleep diary prior to your appointment. Click here for a sleep diary template. Take this form with you to your appointment to help express your current concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Survivors of domestic violence may experience difficulties with sleep.
- Sleep impacts your brain, your feelings, and your overall physical and mental health.
- Strategies for improving your sleep include setting a consistent sleep schedule, exercise, going outside, and setting up a cool and dark sleep environment. Things to avoid when setting good sleep habits include electronics, afternoon naps, nicotine, alcohol, large meals, and caffeine before bed.
- If you continue to have difficulties with sleep it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. Prior to your appointment you may find it helpful to fill out a sleep diary to help express some of your current concerns.