Quality sleep is essential for brain function, immunity physical and mental health but it's something many of us take for granted.
It is often the first thing to slip when life gets busy and when sleep is off, it can affect everything . Our busy lifestyles, stress, and screen time can all affect how well we sleep, leaving many people feeling tired, unfocused, or run down.
That’s why looking at your sleep habits can be a helpful place to start if you’re wanting to support your overall wellbeing.
Why sleep is so important
Quality sleep helps the body and mind do some essential behind-the-scenes work. While you sleep, your body works to:
When sleep is regularly disrupted, it can have a flow-on effect on many areas of health. Over time, poor sleep may contribute to fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a higher risk of ongoing health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health challenges.
Getting enough sleep is therefore an important part of maintaining overall health.
Most adults need around seven to nine hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Of course, everyone is different, and sleep needs can vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health.
However, it is not just about the number of hours. The quality of sleep also matters. Interrupted or restless sleep can leave you feeling just as tired as not getting enough sleep at all.
If sleep problems continue over time, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional.
You may not always notice straight away when your sleep is affecting your health, but some common signs can include:
Waking up feeling unrefreshed
Finding it hard to concentrate
Feeling more irritable than usual
Waking frequently during the night
Relying heavily on caffeine to get through the day
If these kinds of symptoms are becoming more common, it may be worth taking a closer look at your sleep habits or having a chat with your GP.
For HealthCarePlus Members with a Primary Care Plan may be able to claim back the cost of these GP visits. That can make it easier to get support if poor sleep is becoming an ongoing issue. You can check the plan benefits here.
If you don’t currently hold one of the two Primary Care Plans, you can find out more below.
Improving sleep does not always require a major overhaul. Small, consistent changes can make a real difference over time. Helpful habits can include:
Going to bed and waking up at a similar time each day
Reducing screen time before bed
Keeping your bedroom cool, dark and quiet
Cutting back on caffeine later in the day
Building a relaxing wind-down routine in the evening
These kinds of habits can support better quality rest and make it easier for your body to settle into a healthy sleep pattern.
Sleep is not just about getting through the next day, it plays an important role in your long-term health and wellbeing. Paying attention to your sleep patterns, and making small changes where needed, can have a positive impact over time.
If poor sleep is becoming a regular issue, it may be worth checking in with your GP. And if you’re covered by a UniMed Primary Care Plan, you may get back some of the cost of that visit. These Plans are designed to make it more affordable to access regular everyday health services.