Sleep debt is real. Can you really catch up on lost sleep?

Here's how to stay ahead of the damage before it adds up. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

My Sleep Profile My Sleep Profile

Hi There, How much sleep you're getting at night isn't the whole story. To truly wake up refreshed and feel the long-term benefits of sleep, you need high-quality, uninterrupted rest that aligns with your natural sleep schedule. Even a full eight hours of sleep will not help much if you toss, turn, or wake up repeatedly throughout the night. So, what does deep, restful sleep really look like? And how can you make sure you're actually getting the sleep your body needs? We'll walk you through fine-tuning your sleep schedule and optimizing your nights so that your rest actually works for you.

How to Have Healthy Sleep REM sleep only makes up about 20–25% of your total sleep, but it plays an outsized role in keeping your mind and body healthy. This is the stage where: Your brain files away memories, so you can recall names, conversations, and important moments clearly Emotional stress gets processed, helping you wake up feeling more balanced and resilient Your nervous system resets, reducing physical tension and helping you feel more at ease in your body Your mind resets for peak performance, boosting creativity, problem-solving, and focus Mental fog lifts, so you feel sharp and present throughout your day The challenge? As you age, REM sleep becomes harder to obtain, and fragmented sleep or inconsistent routines can make it even more difficult. The good news? You can train your body to enter REM more efficiently with the right habits. Maximize REM Sleep Tonight Here's the truth: you can't "make up" sleep debt the way you might think. Losing hours of sleep adds up slowly, and the longer the imbalance lasts, the more it can impact your body. Think accelerated aging, chronic disease, mood shifts, and poor immune function. But the flip side? When you get enough sleep, the benefits are huge! Sleep isn't just a 'nice to have' — it's the foundation for your brain, body, and mood. And it's never too late to get back on track. Why Better Sleep = Better Health

Recommended Reads The Best Bedtime Habits for Sleep Some nighttime rituals help your brain wind down. Here's what to keep and what to skip! Best Sleep Masks for Blocking out Light Early morning sun waking you up well before your alarm? These expert-tested masks block out light so you can stay asleep longer What Is NREM Sleep And Why Does It Matter? Non-REM sleep may not get as much attention as REM, but it's key for healing your body and boosting immune health. Is Music Really Helping You Sleep? The right music can promote relaxation, but some sounds might actually delay sleep.

Sleep Foundation, A Sleep Doctor Company 1414 NE 42nd St 400 Seattle, WA 98105 View in Your Browser | Unsubscribe | Manage Preferences   Sleep Doctor (collectively Sleep Foundation, SleepFoundation.org, SleepApnea.com, and SleepDoctor.com) is not affiliated with the National Sleep Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Sleep Doctor and its brands provide comprehensive health information to help people cultivate better sleep. Sleep Doctor does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment options.