UI Extension Sleep

A University of Illinois Extension blog post from its Live Well. Eat Well. series, written by a registered dietitian nutritionist, explaining the importance of quality sleep for overall health. The article covers how aging affects sleep patterns, the connection between chronic disease and poor sleep, and how inadequate sleep can increase inflammation, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk. It also explains the role of sleep in immune function, specifically the production of cytokines. The post concludes with seven practical sleep hygiene tips covering bedtime routines, consistent schedules, diet, exercise, bedroom environment, and limiting screen exposure before bed.