Getting a good night's sleep can help prevent long-term health challenges

Experts on Broadcast Retirement Network said consistent sleep schedules, limiting evening screen time, and addressing underlying sleep problems — not just symptoms — support memory, immune function, metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Broadcast Retirement Network hosted a conversation about how sleep affects long-term health and what to focus on to improve rest. Funke Afolabi-Brown, MD, said poor sleep impairs memory and attention and is linked to lower immune function, metabolic changes, higher blood pressure and greater cardiovascular risk. She described sleep problems as common across children, parents, middle-aged adults and older people, and noted that stressors like social media and broader uncertainty have raised anxiety and sleep disruption. The discussion emphasized sleep hygiene and the importance of identifying root causes rather than relying only on sleep aids. Key points: - Lack of sleep was described as affecting memory, attention, immune function, metabolism, and increasing risk for high blood pressure and heart attacks. - Sleep difficulties were reported across age groups; medications, multiple sleep disorders, and life-stage demands (for example, caregiving) were mentioned as contributing factors. - Social media and wider social and political uncertainty were cited as recent drivers of increased anxiety and sleep problems. - Sleep hygiene items mentioned included consistent bed and wake times, a bedtime routine, a cool dark quiet bedroom, avoiding non-sleep activities in bed, and limiting device use 30–60 minutes before bedtime. - Sleep aids were characterized as potentially useful short-term patches but not solutions to root causes; clinicians discussed identifying underlying drivers and planning to reduce reliance on sleep aids where appropriate. - The term "sleep divorce" (separate sleeping arrangements) was noted as a longstanding practice; experts recommended evaluating causes such as snoring, which can be a sign of sleep apnea. Summary: Clinicians said that improving sleep habits and diagnosing treatable sleep conditions could influence long-term health outcomes. The conversation stressed addressing root causes rather than only treating symptoms, and discussed evaluating persistent problems and the role of temporary sleep aids. Undetermined at this time.