Even after getting a full eight hours of sleep, many people wake up feeling fatigued, which indicates that the quality of sleep is more important than the quantity. Dr. Wendy Troxel, a clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist, confirmed in an exclusive interview with Fox News: "Many people sleep for seven to eight hours but wake up without feeling refreshed, and about a third of adults suffer from poor sleep." Troxel stated that several factors can reduce sleep quality regardless of the number of hours, the most prominent being: consuming caffeine late in the day; stress and anxiety about daily life; using a phone or electronic devices before bed; drinking alcohol, a major contributor to sleep disturbances. She added that women are often more affected in their sleep quality than men, especially during menopause, when the risk of insomnia and sleep disorders doubles compared to men. For those who get less than the recommended hours of sleep, Troxel advised taking gradual steps, such as increasing sleep duration by about 15 minutes each night, to observe its effect on the body and regulate the biological clock. She also pointed out that good sleep is linked to a healthy lifestyle that includes: a balanced diet, avoiding heavy foods before sleep; regular exercise, avoiding strenuous physical activity right before bed; respecting your individual biological clock, whether you are a morning person or a night owl, and not being ashamed of sleeping according to your natural rhythm. Troxel said: "Sleep is a biological process that should not be constrained by cultural or social expectations; respecting the body's natural needs is the key to deep and restful sleep."
