With risk factors this broad, its no surprise so many people have trouble sleeping.

No matter how poorly youve been sleeping, the truth is that you could get better.

What Happens If You Dont Get Enough Sleep?

A Black man sitting on the edge of a bed looking at the clock on the night stand that says 4:40am

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Getting quality sleep every night is necessary for the health of your brain and body.

Sleep deficiency can also affect your ability to learn, focus and react.

Simply moving your body throughout the day can even be helpful, Wu said.

Exercising regularly improves sleep quality, and good sleep can also lead to better workouts.

Exercising outside, in particular, gives you the chance to get some natural light.

This helps to establish a propersleep-wake cycle.

Yeh recommends avoiding caffeinated drinks before bedtime, too.

This way, you get less light stimulation and its easier to wind down your mind.

According to Yeh, doing something that you enjoy that isalsocalming can help relax your mind and body.

Change Your Mind

Experts say its important to adjust your mentality about sleep.

Going to bed shouldnt feel like a burden or chore.

It shouldnt be a hassle to go to bed and it shouldnt be a chore to go to sleep.

Some people have become conditioned to staying awake because they no longer enjoy sleeping, said Pelayo.

Its not that youhaveto go to sleepits that yougetto go to sleep.

Or you might keep your appointment to ask about ways to make further improvements.

The most important thing for somebody who has trouble sleeping is to tell somebody about it, said Pelayo.

Were no longer in an age where theres nothing that can be done.

Most sleep disorders can be improved and all of these sleep-related problems are treatable.

If you dont see an improvement after making lifestyle changes, consider making an appointment with a sleep specialist.

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National Sleep Foundation.10 Tips for a better nights sleep.