We now know that getting enough sleep is as important for your health as exercise and a healthy diet. No matter your age, sleeping for enough hours improves mental and physical health, the ability to focus, and memory.

Why is it then that so many people aren’t benefitting from the long hours they’re sleeping? For these people, it might be a problem with the quality of their sleep, a variable that is being considered more and more by specialists who are interested in how sleep affects health.

There are as many advantages to high-quality sleep as there are risks associated with not sleeping long enough—or well enough. A lack of quality sleep may increase the risk for a host of health problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure. This is yet another reason to pay attention not only to how long you sleep, but also the quality of your sleep.

Signs you should pay attention to

Certain signs could indicate that you aren’t sleeping as well as you should. These include feeling tired in the middle of the day, having low energy, or feeling tired when you wake up. A variety of things and issues can reduce the quality of your sleep, often without you even realizing it. This is especially true of sleep apnea, which, if not diagnosed and treated, can increase the risk of developing more complex health issues.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, sticking to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy should significantly improve the quality of your sleep and help you get your energy back. On the other hand, if you find that wearing a CPAP mask is a source of discomfort, skin irritation, or dries out your eyes, the idea of giving up on your treatment might have already crossed your mind. This could, however, put your sleep and your health in jeopardy.

We would encourage you to continue treatment and to take care of your sleep, your health, and yourself. If your treatment causes a lot of discomforts, learn more about the Facembrace, an innovative device designed to help you fully adhere to your therapy without sacrificing comfort. It helps you experience better sleep and optimizes your well-being.

Need to improve the overall quality of your sleep? Here are a few of our tips:

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially close to bedtime

• Exercise regularly, but not during the hours just before bed

• Avoid taking long naps during the day

• Avoid going to bed with an empty (or full) stomach

• Set up a routine to wind down before going to bed and stick to it: a warm bath, relaxation, and turning off electronic devices at least an hour before bed

• Make your bedroom, and especially your bed, an area reserved for relaxation and sleep: keep electronic devices, all stimulating activities, and any food out of the room

• Make your bed more comfortable: a supportive mattress, well-fitted and comfortable sheets, a specific pillow for your preferred sleep position, and window coverings that block a sufficient amount of light