Good sleep is crucial to good health

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Not getting a good night's sleep can have a negative impact on a person's health. Studies have shown that not sleeping enough or having a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, can lead to hypertension, prediabetes, and other cardiovascular problems, according to Dr. Alcibiades Rodriguez, assistant professor of neurology and medical director of the NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center-Sleep Center.

Quality and quantity of sleep should be taken into account, Dr. Rodriguez said. Most people should sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night. That can be hard for some, but the type of mattress and pillow you use can help. Dr. Rodriguez said a perfect mattress or pillow for everyone doesn't exist because comfort depends on the person and their needs. For example, if someone needs neck support they may need a firm pillow that can hold up their head.

Dr. Rodriguez said that in general a mattress that is too hard or too soft is not good. Instead, consider a mattress that had adjustable firmness so you can make changes as needed.

Dr. Rodriguez said that some people with congested heart failure may also suffer from central sleep apnea. In that case, sleeping on one's back is bad because gravity obstructs the open air way. He said in that case the person may need to sleep on an incline. And if you have a snoring problem, he suggested you sleep on your side and on an incline.

Picking out a mattress is not easy. Studies have shown that spending 20 or 30 minutes at a store trying out a mattress isn't enough time to tell whether or not it is perfect for you. Dr. Rodriguez said you have to sleep on it for several days.