The Importance of Sleep

With the world moving at such a fast pace, it can be hard to remember the importance of sleep. Without sleep, the body cannot properly function at its highest capacity. Read further to learn about sleep in children, adults, cancer patients, and why staying at a place like Premier Patient Housing is better than staying at a hotel while receiving treatment in the Houston Medical Center.

The Importance of Sleep in Children

Studies show that children (ages 3 to 12) need an average of 10-12 hours of sleep per night. While quality of sleep is overall more important than the actual quantity, it is important that sleep be a big part of a child’s daily routine. Not getting adequate sleep can even cause mental health issues. Here are some ways to help your children receive better sleep:

• Create a “safe place” for your child
• Set up a regular bedtime routine
• Relax before bed (no crazy video games right before bed!)
• Keep noise and light to a minimum
• No eating right before bed

The Importance of Sleep in Adults

Comparing to children, adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Even though this is significantly less sleep than what children need, sleep is still an important aspect in the adult life. Not getting enough sleep can cause problems like:

• High blood pressure
• Difficulty paying attention
• Increased hunger
• Mood
• Lifespan

With all these factors involved, it is easy to see why sleep is such an important part of an adult life. Even starting routines like children have for sleeping such as feeling safe and being in a place with less light and noise can help an adult get better sleep.

The Importance of Sleep in Cancer Patients

So, getting sleep is important for both children and adults, but what about cancer patients? Sleeping can be pretty difficult when it comes to cancer. Anxiety, depression, and different forms of stress can lead to long nights of little to no rest. Even being treated with chemotherapy can cause the immune system to weaken and the body to be in a constant state of fatigue. Below are some tips and tricks for helping to create better sleep.

• Sleep Hygiene and Stimulus Control – This includes having a bedtime routine, trying to not take naps, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and even making sure the bedroom is dark when going to bed.
• Relaxation Techniques – This can be anything from receiving a massage to learning some deep breathing techniques.
• Medication  and Supplements – Aside from getting a sleeping prescription from a doctor, even using an over the counter pill like melatonin and drastically help a cancer patient get the nutrients they need in their body to be “ready” for sleep. Make sure to take the right dosage. Too much melatonin can actually make a person stay up.

Better than a Hotel

Something to note in all of these sections of sleepers is that a quiet, safe place to sleep is best. Hotels do not necessarily bring quiet and a sense of safety. This is why staying at a place like Premier Patient Housing is important while staying in Houston for medical care. Premier Patient Housing offers great apartments for people who will be staying in the Houston area. Aside from the great amenities, the rooms are made to make the guest feel right at home.

Look at Premier Patient Housing rooms today and schedule your stay!