Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Marlene Kurban • March 3, 2021

Getting enough sleep is necessary for good health and quality of life, just as important as eating well and staying active. Adequate sleep, generally defined as 9–12 hours for school-age children, 8–10 hours for teens, and 7- 9 hours for adults, is essential for learning, memory, good emotional health, and the immune system. Conversely, chronic lack of sleep is linked to a greater risk for heart disease, cancer, depression, and weight gain.  Good sleep habits are vital at all stages of life.

Tips for better sleep:

  • Maintain a regular sleeping time, even on days off and weekends
  • Maintain a regular wake-up time
  • Decrease or eliminate naps, unless they’re a necessary part of your sleeping schedule
  • Exercise daily, but not immediately before bedtime
  • Unplug from your electronics and don’t use them in bed
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to bed
  • Limit or eliminate alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, especially before bedtime
  • Avoid heavy meals before bedtime
  • Find a way to relax mentally prior to bedtime
  • If you can’t fall asleep, try a soothing activity for 30 minutes, such as listening to soft music or reading, before going back to bed

The post Are You Getting Enough Sleep? appeared first on InterCommunity.

Photo of
October 27, 2026
Flu season is here - it's time to get your annual vaccination! Learn more about how getting your flu shot can keep you, your family, and your community healthy.
InterCommunity leadership poses for a photo at the 2026 gala.
October 26, 2026
Thank you for lighting up the night with us at InterCommunity's 2026 Fundraising Gala!
InterCommunity staff pose next to their research poster.
October 25, 2026
InterCommunity staff attended the Infectious Disease Week Conference in Washington, DC to present their research poster about Hepatitis C screening and treatment.
InterCommunity staff pose at the awards ceremony with the agency's 2026 Top Workplace award.
September 23, 2026
We are proud to officially announce that InterCommunity Health Care has been named a National and Regional Top Workplace once again thanks to staff feedback!
September 23, 2026
National Recovery Month is an annual campaign held every September to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices and support those on the recovery path.
A boy high fives a doctor with a bandaid on his shoulder, presumably after getting a vaccination.
August 26, 2026
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to highlight the important role vaccines play in protecting people of all ages from preventable diseases.
An open road with a forward arrow against a blue sky and sunshine.
August 12, 2026
For those struggling with substance use, asking for help can be a hard step to take; and knowing where to start and where to turn can feel overwhelming. InterCommunity is here to be that first step.
A girl and a doctor smile and touch hands.
July 28, 2026
InterCommunity is hosting an all-day community event on 8/6 to celebrate National Health Center Week! Read the history of NHCW and learn more about this free event.
2026 Light Up the Night Gala graphic that lists event information and shows a lightbulb with a heart
July 27, 2026
InterCommunity is excited to invite you to support our mission at our annual Signature Gala Event!
A therapist speaks with a patient.
June 23, 2026
InterCommunity emphasizes the importance of mental health alongside physical health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) illustrates the significance of this work.