The Great Reset: Prioritizing Sleep for Your Overall Health and Wellbeing

This year, from March 8th to 14th, marks the annual National Sleep Awareness Week. This campaign, created by the National Sleep Foundation, is focused on promoting the importance of sleep health and calling attention to existing sleep disorders. By doing so, this organization provides evidence-based information on the benefits of quality sleep and how it impacts your health and well-being. Here, we will review the importance of resting, why it matters, and how to achieve better slumber. Meanwhile, this blog will also acknowledge the types of sleep disorders and the signs to look out for when experiencing sleep deprivation.

Why Getting Your ZZZ’s Matter

According to the 2025 Sleep in America Poll, 72% of people with no difficulty falling asleep seem to thrive—remarkably more than the 63% of those with only mild trouble falling asleep and the 49% who have severe trouble falling asleep (National Sleep Foundation, 2025). In comparison, around 55% of people have more severe trouble staying asleep than those with mild to no difficulty.

The typical American adults in the poll were not in their “Best Slept Self,” with six out of every ten not getting enough sleep. However, 77% of younger adults (aged 18–30 years) perceived the benefits of getting quality sleep, compared to 68% of older adults (National Sleep Foundation, 2025). In addition, women in the survey flourished more from getting enough sleep compared to men, at 75% versus 69%.

The percentages from this poll not only recognize differences across demographics, but also acknowledge the importance of consistent, restorative sleep in achieving a high quality of life. Ultimately, the data confirms that how well we sleep directly dictates how well we function.

The Benefits of Good-Quality Sleep

In terms of physical health, there are many advantages that come from getting quality rest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that better sleep may result in the following (2024):

• Improved immunity to sickness

• Weight maintenance

• Reduced physical stress

• Lowered risk of chronic conditions such as:

  • Type II diabetes

  • Heart disease

  • High blood pressure

  • Stroke

• Support for hormonal balance

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute also specifies the effects of sleep on mental health. Sleep deficiency can lead to cognitive challenges such as:

• Trouble making decisions

• Difficulty solving problems

• Difficulty controlling emotions and behavior

• Inability to cope with change

• Slower reaction time

Sleep deficiency is also associated with mental health concerns, including:

• Mental disorders

• Depression

• Suicide

• Risk-taking behavior

Types of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia

Ongoing difficulty falling or remaining asleep despite wanting to sleep and having enough time to sleep.

• Two-thirds of adults periodically experience some form of insomnia.

• Chronic insomnia is diagnosed when symptoms occur at least three times per week for at least three months.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

An experience of tingling or crawling sensations that create an irresistible urge to move the legs.

• Sensations and urges tend to worsen when sitting or lying down.

• Symptoms can be worsened by caffeine intake and the use of certain medications.

Narcolepsy

A condition in which a person feels excessively tired during the daytime despite getting an adequate amount of sleep.

• People with this disorder often experience “sleep attacks” that last for a few minutes.

• It can be accompanied by cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone that causes people to slump over as they nod off.

Sleep Apnea

A disorder that disrupts breathing at night. People with sleep apnea often snore heavily or may wake up choking or gasping for air.

• Individuals often experience daytime sleepiness and fatigue, as well as morning headaches and dry mouth.

How to Recognize the Signs of Sleep Deprivation

Without getting enough sleep, daily activities such as school, work, driving, and social life can be affected. You may be sleep deprived if you experience:

• Daytime sleepiness

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Trouble thinking, focusing, and remembering

• Headaches

• Slowed reaction times

Severe symptoms include:

• Microsleeps

• Uncontrollable eye movements

• Trouble speaking clearly

• Drooping eyelids

• Hand tremors

• Visual and tactile hallucinations

Strategies to Improve Sleep Habits

• Go to sleep at a reasonable time. It’s important to be consistent when you prepare to catch some ZZZ’s and when you wake up.

• Engage in relaxing activities. No matter how busy your day gets, having a routine that allows you space to breathe can do so much for your body. This can include reading a book, meditating, or taking a warm bath.

• Make yourself comfortable. Adjust the temperature of your bedroom and sleep on a supportive bed with comfortable pillows and blankets.

• Limit the amount of caffeine you consume.

• Seek professional help. Talk to your healthcare provider if you exhibit signs of sleep deprivation or symptoms of sleep disorders.

When all is said and done, sleep is needed for anyone to thrive and remain healthy. By making efforts to prioritize quality sleep, you are one step closer to improving your health, mood, and clarity for tomorrow. Your “Best Slept Self” is looking forward to your call to action. For now, sleep tight!