This morning on the Broadcast Retirement Network, expert Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown from Restful Sleep MD discussed effective strategies for improving sleep quality for families. During the segment, host Jeffrey Snyder highlighted widespread sleep issues affecting individuals globally, particularly in the United States.
Global Sleep Challenges
Dr. Afolabi-Brown emphasized that sleep deprivation is a significant public health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled insufficient sleep as a global epidemic. Research indicates that only about 35% of people get adequate sleep, leaving a vast majority struggling with sleep-related issues.
She noted that sleep disorders often remain undiagnosed, impacting overall health and well-being. It affects a broad demographic, cutting across all age groups. For instance, approximately 58% of middle school students and 74% of high school students are not getting enough rest. Among adults, nearly 40% of those in their forties are also suffering from poor sleep.
Strategies for Better Sleep
Addressing the challenges of modern life, Dr. Afolabi-Brown pointed out that technology plays a significant role in disrupting sleep patterns. She advised parents to be proactive in establishing healthy sleep habits within their families. A practical approach involves modeling good behavior, as children often emulate their parents’ routines.
To aid families in achieving better sleep, Dr. Afolabi-Brown introduced the acronym CREATE, which stands for:
- Consistency: Set a regular sleep and wake time for both parents and children.
- Routine: Develop a calming pre-sleep routine, such as reading or taking a warm shower.
- Environment: Ensure the sleep environment is cool, dark, and quiet.
- Assign: Use the bed solely for sleep, avoiding work or screen time in that space.
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- Eliminate: Avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime.
By implementing these strategies, families can foster better sleep hygiene, leading to improved health and daily functioning. Dr. Afolabi-Brown underscored that while the type of mattress can play a role, establishing these fundamental habits is more critical for achieving quality sleep.
The discussion concluded with an emphasis on the importance of prioritizing sleep as a family, as healthier sleep patterns can significantly enhance overall well-being. As Dr. Afolabi-Brown stated, addressing sleep issues early can lead to a lifetime of better health outcomes for individuals and families alike.
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