The older we get, the more we realize the benefits of sleep. Maintaining a good sleep pattern, as well as making use of naps is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
There are plenty of benefits of sleep. If you are someone who does not get enough shuteye, this article will provide several reasons for you to change that. Even if you consider yourself to be a well-rested person, taking a look at some of the facts below is sure to be eye opening.
Here's a YouTube video explaining the importance of sleep:
Primary Benefits of Sleep
Reduced Stress
Sleep makes you feel at ease and relaxes your body. This leads to a reduction of stress levels in the body. There are also over the counter products proven to help you get enough sleep.
Improved Memory
Getting enough sleep causes an improvement in memory. The American Psychological Association has revealed that people who do not get enough sleep tend to have reduced memory and cognitive function.
Increased Alertness
Having a good sleep increases your alertness and prevents you from feeling grumpy. The National Sleep Foundation has revealed that 20-30-minute naps boost short-term alertness and help you act better.
Reduced Depression
Sleep deprivation does not just make you feel edgy and anxious, it also exacerbates depression and other mental disorders. If you want to beat depression, then a sure fire way is to get enough sleep.
Improved Concentration
The brain can focus much better when you get ample sleep. This means that getting a good sleep is important for those looking to improve concentration.
Improved Physical Activity
Sleep has been proven to improve athletic performance. A study of basketball players revealed that those who got longer sleep had significantly improved speed and reaction times
Improved Body Metabolism
Sleep could affect the way our body processes and stores carbohydrates. If you are getting enough sleep, your metabolism could be affected too.
Increased Happiness
Whenever you have a good sleep, you definitely feel so much happier. Findings from the University of Hertfordshire revealed in a study that over 66% of participants who took naps felt happier.
Weight Control
Sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity. If you are looking to control your weight, then you need to stay on top of your sleep.
Body Restoration
When we are asleep, the body repairs the immune and muscular systems, among several others. Getting a good sleep guarantees feeling rejuvenated.
Enhanced Immunity
Apart from restoring the immune system, the body also helps the system produce more antibodies. This is important in fighting diseases and infections.
Reduced Inflammation
If you suffer from inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, getting a good sleep can help prevent these from flaring up.
Cell and Tissue Repair
Our body skin cells get damaged in our everyday life. Good sleep can help you avoid eczema and repair worn out cells.
Elimination Of Eye Circles
Eye bags usually form around the eye because of sleep deprivation. They can be eliminated by getting plenty of sleep.
Sharpened Creativity
Research performed by the Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging in Georgetown University, Washington revealed that taking a nap improves creativity. Some people also turn to sleep mobile apps to help them get some sleep.
Ease Of Pain
Getting enough sleep has been shown to ease chronic and acute pain. There are also recommended pillows and mattresses you can use to avoid back and neck pain allowing you to sleep better.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
You heart is a very important part of your body. Several sleep disorders have been linked to cardiovascular issues. If you want a healthier heart, then you should invest in sleep.
Reduced Risk Of Diabetes
Good amount of sleep helps to keep your cortisol levels in check. This leads to a decrease in your chances of getting diabetes.
Reduced Risk Of Cancer
Although the reason is still unclear, getting good sleep could reduce your chances of cancer.
Reduced Risk Of High Blood Pressure
During sleep deprivation, stress hormones cause an increase in your blood pressure. If you are looking to reduce your risk of high blood pressure, then you should get more sleep.
Enhanced Sex Life
If you are sleep deprived, your testosterone level can drop. A study by the University of Chicago has revealed that getting a good sleep increases testosterone level and consequently enhances your sex life.
Better Safety
People who do not get enough sleep are more likely to fall victim to car crashes, occupational hazards, industrial disasters and other safety issues, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Boosts Beauty
Everyone wants to look younger, right? Enough sleep eliminates eye bags and pale skin caused by stress.
Improves Productivity
If you get enough sleep, you are less likely to make mistakes. This will ensure that you work efficiently, thus improving productivity.
Make Sure You Get Some Shut Eye and Reap the Benefits of Sleep
It’s more than apparent that getting enough sleep has several benefits to your health. Fully harnessing these benefits of sleep does require at least 7 hours of sleep – and we encourage some short 20 – 30 minutes of naps too.
Additionally, understanding the factors that affect our sleep such as stress or moving to a new environment is vital.
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