Men’s Health and Sleep: The Foundation of Better Health

By Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA

As the holidays approach, many of us sacrifice sleep to fit in one more project, one more gathering, or one more item on the to-do list. Unfortunately, sleep is often the first thing we give up and one of the most important things we need.

Sleep is not simply a time when the body rests. It is when the body repairs, recovers, and resets. Adequate sleep supports memory, mood, metabolism, immune function, heart health, and hormone production. In many ways, sleep is the foundation upon which good health is built.

For men, poor sleep has consequences that extend far beyond feeling tired. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and lower testosterone levels. It can also reduce concentration, athletic performance, and overall quality of life.

One of the most overlooked causes of poor sleep is obstructive sleep apnea. Many men are unaware they have it because they are asleep when it occurs. Loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, morning headaches, and excessive daytime fatigue can all be warning signs. Left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of serious cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The good news is that improving sleep often begins with small changes. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, limit screens before bedtime, avoid excessive alcohol late in the evening, and talk with your physician if you snore heavily or never feel rested despite getting enough sleep.

In men’s health, we often focus on exercise, nutrition, and medications. But none of them can fully compensate for inadequate sleep. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is simply get a good night’s sleep.

Look for my article on “Men’s Health and Erectile Dysfunction: More Than a Bedroom Issue” in the next issue. Erectile dysfunction is often thought of as a quality-of-life issue. In reality, it may be one of your body’s earliest warning signs of cardiovascular disease.

Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA, is Wellstar’s Medical Director of Urology and of Robotic Surgery. He has practiced in Atlanta for over 20 years and sees patients at Wellstar Urology in Roswell, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center and Wellstar Avalon Health Park. Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center offers the Know Your Heart Screening that can determine your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA • Wellstar North Fulton Hospital • 470.956.4230 www.ScottDMillerMD.com