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.
“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 healthcare provider if they are struggling to sleep,” says AANP President Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, in a release. “Sleep affects everything from chronic pain, recovery from disease, weight management, and the risk of heart disease. As healthcare 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.”
National Sleep Foundation (NSF) chairman Max Hirshkowitz says, “Research consistently shows that adequate, quality sleep directly and positively affects mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 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 United States.
