Nurse Practitioners Encourage Americans to Improve Sleep Habits for Better Health

AUSTIN, Texas, April 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of Sleep Awareness Week™, April 23-30, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) urges patients to prioritize their sleep to improve their overall health and well-being.

According to National Sleep Foundation (NSF), the most recent findings from its Sleep Health Index ® (SHI) show that more than four in ten Americans reported that their daily activities were significantly impacted by poor or insufficient sleep at least once during the past seven days. Adequate sleep improves memory, strengthens the ability to focus and learn, increases productivity, reduces hunger, and boosts the immune system.

"With more than 80 million people suffering from sleep deprivation and another 50-70 million with a sleep disorder, patients need to prioritize quality sleep and seek out their health care provider if they are struggling to sleep," says AANP President Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP. "Sleep affects everything from chronic pain, recovery from disease, weight management and the risk of heart disease. As health care professionals who see and treat millions of patients, we recommend establishing a sleep schedule, avoiding nicotine, alcohol and caffeine, getting regular exercise, and taking steps to manage stress. AANP encourages efforts by the National Sleep Foundation to advocate for better sleep so people have the tools they need to live healthier and more productive lives."

"Research consistently shows that adequate, quality sleep directly and positively affects mental, physical and emotional well-being", says National Sleep Foundation Chairman Max Hirshkowitz. "NSF's #SleepBetterFeelBetter campaign shines a light on the importance of sleep health toward improved productivity, mood and overall health."

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties, represents the interests of the more than 222,000 licensed NPs in the U.S.  As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers. To locate a nurse practitioner, go to npfinder.com.  For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.

SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners

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