Why Sleep Matters for Your Health

We all know sleep is important for our health and well being so why are most of us not achieving the recommended 8 hours of nightly sleep?

Today’s overscheduled work and personal lives combined with technology – news, stories, movies, TV shows all on demand and us being constantly “plugged in” and available; makes getting a full night’s sleep impossible. So much so that the World Health Organization has declared a sleep loss epidemic throughout industrialized nations.

Routinely sleeping less than 6-7 hours a night compromises your immune system, more than doubling your risk of cancer. There are links to Alzheimer’s disease, blood sugar levels increasing, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. All psychiatric conditions including depression & anxiety are worsened by lack of sleep.

Sleep enriches many of our functions including the ability to learn, memorize and make logical decisions and choices. Sleep recalibrates our emotional brain circuits allowing us to navigate social challenges with composure. Sleep also helps the body regulate the appetite.

SLEEP HYGIENE TIPS:

keep sleep and wake times consistent. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time each day.
Have the proper sleep environment. Keep your room quiet, dark, and cool. Optimal sleeping temperature is around 68 degrees. Turn off all electronic devices with screens at least one hour prior to bedtime.
Have a pre-bedtime routine.
Avoid sleep prohibiting agents. Caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol can prevent you from falling or staying asleep. Avoid these wake-promoting agents 8 hours before bedtime.

Noel R. Williams, MD, FACOG - Medical Director | Optimal Health Associates

Dr. Noel R. Williams earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Emory University before receiving his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed his internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and his residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. Board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG), Dr. Williams has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve lasting health through personalized, evidence-based care. His philosophy is simple: patients deserve to understand all of their treatment options. Dr. Williams combines the best of traditional allopathic medicine with regenerative and integrative therapies, empowering patients to make informed decisions that align with their goals, values, and lifestyle. He believes healthcare works best when patients and providers partner together to create individualized treatment plans—not one-size-fits-all solutions. As Medical Director of Optimal Health Associates, Dr. Williams is passionate about bringing innovative technologies and comprehensive wellness services to Oklahoma while maintaining the compassionate, patient-centered care that has defined his practice for more than 30 years. When he's not caring for patients, Dr. Williams enjoys reading science fiction, traveling with his wife, Kim, fly fishing whenever they get the chance, and creating new adventures with family and friends.

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