Published: September 23, 2013
Q. To get the health benefits of a good night’s sleep, is it just the number of hours that counts? What if sleep is induced by a sleeping pill or is stressful because of a nightmare?
A. While duration is important, “the quality and timing of sleep are also critical to a good night’s rest,” said Dr. Ana C. Krieger, medical director of the Weill Cornell Center for Sleep Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Optimal sleep duration varies widely, depending on a person’s genetic makeup, underlying health conditions and daytime activities, among other factors, Dr. Krieger said. An individual’s natural sleep rhythm and actual schedule may be poorly aligned, leading to inadequate sleep. Sleep specialists often suggest that a born early riser or night owl adjust schedules accordingly.
As for quality, Dr. Krieger said, sleep disorders can fragment sleep in ways that may not be obvious — except that the sufferer may not feel well rested.
“Nightmares or other sleep disturbances that interfere with sleep consolidation or the sleep/wake cycle may lead to unrefreshing sleep,” Dr. Krieger said. “Medications may also interfere with sleep.”
Because of chemical processes, medication-induced sleep may not be as refreshing as natural sleep, so sleeping pills should be used only under medical supervision. question@nytimes.com
