We all know that sleep is important for our health, but what is the best way to get the most benefit from our slumber? Is it more important to get a good night’s sleep each night or to sleep longer overall? Today, we’ll look at the research on the quality of sleep vs. sleep duration and see which is better for promoting health and well-being. Stay tuned!
According to new research published in the journal Sleep, adults who restricted sleep by two or more hours each night were more at risk for respiratory illnesses like flu and colds, but only when they reported sleep quality. This is the first time that sleep quality has been shown to have an essential role in the risk of infection.
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For the study, the research team followed new military recruits and tracked their sleep patterns and health in the weeks during basic training, when recruits followed strict “to bed” and “wake-up” times. Over a thousand army recruits were involved in the study, and a doctor diagnosed respiratory infections during training.
On average, recruits had two fewer hours of sleep during military training than in civilian life. However, they still rated their sleep as “good quality.” The data showed that sleep restriction only increased respiratory infection in recruits reporting poor sleep quality. Those with good sleep quality were more protected against respiratory infection during sleep restriction, even when sleep quantity was restricted.
Researchers Dr. Ross Roberts said, “Although the research was conducted with male and female military recruits, the findings have wider relevance as many people chose to or find themselves sleeping fewer than the recommended number of hours, due to late night or early morning work and family commitments.”
Providing Optimal Sleep and Restfulness
As this research shows, getting quality sleep is vital for many aspects of health, and previous research has found that insufficient sleep can also be detrimental to health.
Sleep Sure Plus is an excellent way to help with optimal sleep and restfulness. Its unique formula has a variety of ingredients that work to provide quality sleep. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone essential for regulating the circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide better overall sleep.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
