Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Doctors say not getting enough sleep can negatively impact your health.

“It can be hard on the heart. It can be part of the cognition and we know the people day to day who don’t sleep well are at high risk of fatigue, car crashes, poor work performance, and just overall generally don’t feel well.”

After daylight saving time, many people are dealing with the side effects of sleep deprivation.

“Now you’re running off of one hour less of sleep. And so, you’re really going to see a lot of those same effects from just even missing that one hour of sleep.”

As spring approaches, people with pollen allergies should wash up before bed.

“When you come inside from being outside; changing your clothes, wiping off your hands, and washing your face can be really helpful. Then take a shower at nighttime to rinse all that pollen off so you’re not laying in it.”

He also warns people to avoid medications that make them drowsy.

“Sometimes we fall into the trap of feeling like when I’m sedated from certain things that I’m getting good sleep. And we know that sedation and sleep aren’t the same things. And so, trying to avoid those things that can cause sedation close to bedtime can be helpful.”

Having a routine bedtime can also improve sleep quality.

“You want to try to minimize stimulation in the last couple of hours before you go to sleep. Alcohol and caffeine late in the day are things to avoid because that can disrupt your sleep.”

Doctors say eight hours of sleep is just as important as eating healthy and exercising regularly.