The Importance of Sleep

We sleep for one-third of our lives. That’s how important sleep is.

However, Dr. Marishka Brown, a sleep expert at the National Institutes of Health, points out that sleep is about more than spending time in bed. She lists 3 aspects of healthy sleep:¹

• The amount of sleep you get
• The quality of the sleep you get
• Having a consistent sleep schedule

Knowing how important sleep is and getting enough of it are 2 different things. When Crystal was in treatment, she had a tough time sleeping. She had headaches, felt nauseous, was in pain, and was just uncomfortable. Since then, I have researched the importance of sleep and have included some of the things I learned below.

How much is good?

How much sleep should you get each night? Many people are proud of how little sleep they can get and still put in a good day (or so they think). Statements like "I’ll sleep when I’m dead" or "Sleep is a waste of time" are common.

However, research has shown that adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Less than 7 hours may not be enough for your body. As I will explain, the body needs this time to rest and repair. But sleeping more than 9 hours also may not be good for the body. Of course, if you are sick you will need more rest, but overall, 7 to 9 hours is usually sufficient.²

Keep it quiet

The quality of sleep is also important. Sleep should be uninterrupted and refreshing. Lots of light or noise, like listening to a TV, can affect the quality of your sleep. When we are resting, our body focuses on rest and repair.¹

If the light and sound from the TV are present, it will put your brain on alert. You may fall asleep, but it won’t be good quality sleep. Just imagine if a murder mystery is on. Your brain will hear it and will be on guard in case you have to act. You can’t get rest like that.

When Crystal was sick from treatments, she never had the TV on. I believe it helped.

No food

Also, eating or drinking too close to bedtime is not good for a restful sleep. Digestion hinders good quality sleep.¹

Crystal was usually too sick to eat. She always came home and went right to bed. Hopefully, this helped her sleep a little better.

Movement helps

Your body also needs to move during the day. Movement is life, and daily activity is important for a good night’s rest.¹

I know that when you are not feeling well, exercise or movement of any kind may feel daunting, and it was for Crystal. But do what you can. Even getting up for a short time will be beneficial.

Be consistent

The last aspect of good sleep, according to Dr. Brown, is consistency. It is so important to have a good sleep schedule. Going to bed at a certain time each night and waking at the same time each morning helps your body set its circadian rhythm. This is a 24-hour cycle your body follows in response to light and dark.¹

When you are sick, what do you want to do? Sleep! That’s because while sleeping, your body can focus on fixing whatever ails you. Your body even tends to minor damage during sleep hours. This repair helps to protect your heart health and lower your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke.³

During the time Crystal was going through treatment, she slept a lot! She needed it, and I’m glad she was able to come home and just focus on her health. That’s important for everyone. Your body needs adequate rest and repair daily. Of course, if you have cancer, lots of things can affect your sleep. Do the best you can to rest.

I wish I had understood how important sleep was when Crystal had cancer, but truthfully, I’m not sure if it would have made a difference. We did things to help make her more comfortable.

How long do you sleep each night? What keeps you from getting the quality sleep you need to feel well-rested?