For most of us, sleeping is only a necessity. With the workaholic lifestyle that is promoted by our society nowadays, sleep is often cut shorter than it needs to be. Moreover, it’s also restless and stressful. People worry about things before sleeping—”What about that test tomorrow?” or “What about my early tomorrow?”
Because of these factors, our quality of sleep grows poorer and more miserable every day. But did you know that sleeping has a lot of health benefits? A good night’s sleep is extremely beneficial to your health. From overall wellbeing to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, as well as improving your mental health—a good night’s should be on your priority list in taking care of your health.
Sleeping keeps the heart-healthy
People who don’t get enough sleep or get too much sleep are at a much higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This is regardless of other determining factors such as age, weight, substance abuse and family history.
It is quite unclear why obstructed, and short sleep affects the heart negatively. However, a good case to consider is that a study has found people suffering from sleep apnea (a condition that causes breathing difficulties during sleep) have weaker heart health.
This is because sleep is a process of the body regulating and maintaining its vital systems. With under-sleeping or oversleeping, these functions such as glucose metabolism, blood pressure and inflammation are interrupted.
Sleeping boosts the immune system
That’s right. Sleeping also affects your immune system. Lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep leads to a higher risk of exposure to viruses (like the common cold) as it disrupts the natural system of how your immune cells work.
This is the reason why people who don’t get enough sleep easily catch colds. When we sleep, the body releases proteins that fight off infections and lessen inflammation. When sleep is compromised, the production of that protein is also compromised.
A good night’s rest is also sometimes the suggested remedy for headaches and minor fevers, while at the same time, resting the body and resetting bodily functions.
Sleeping gives you a sharper mind
While you may be cramming for a test, and sacrificing those good hours of sleep, sleeping helps you have a sharper mind. This means being sharp in the sense of being more alert and having a better memory.
Sleep converts the material you’ve learned from short-term memory into long-term memory. This way, you have a higher chance of remembering what you studied even in later periods.
Moreover, with a rested mind and a relaxed body, you are more alert to your surroundings, and you can pick up details around you that otherwise would be too difficult if you are sluggish or unrested.
Sleeping keeps your weight controlled
A healthy sleeping habit is essential in keeping your weight controlled. Countless numbers of studies have linked shorter hours of sleep to being overweight or obese. This is because a lack of sleep causes an imbalance in the hormones that your body produces for your eating appetite.
Aside from affecting your eating habits, sleep deprivation also leads to unhealthy decisions for your daily activities. Because you’re tired in the morning—you are more likely to grab coffee than eat breakfast, you are more likely to be less active during the day, and you might even want to skip working out.
When you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, it is essential to watch your sleep as well.
Sleeping lowers the risk of cancer
By ensuring that you are sleeping the right amount every night, you are lowering your risk of developing some types of cancer.
This is scientifically proven by a study that put women of varying work schedules into the research. It was found that women who worked for at least four years of night shifts were at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
This is because light exposure reduces the production of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin regulates the sleep cycle and prevents the growth of tumors.
Sleeping reduces the risk of depression
As you may have probably learned from what is discussed in this article, sleep affects the production of a lot of hormones in the body. One of those hormones is serotonin. Serotonin deficiencies have been linked to depression.
Moreover, the link between sleep and depression is rather correlational. Sleep deprivation leads to depression, and depression leads to sleep deprivation.
A good night’s sleep not only does wonders for your physical health but also for your mental health as well. That’s why it’s essential to get a sufficient amount of sleep every night.
Keeps your body running
Poor sleep can lead to fatigue if ongoing, “1 in 3 Americans say they do not get enough sleep” From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lack of sleep can hinder an individual from fulfilling their normal tasks. It can make it hard to urge out of bed in the morning. When it affects safety, for instance, on the road, it becomes a public health concern. In severe cases, an individual may show signs almost like that of an intoxicated state.
There are different types of fatigue
Physical fatigue: This is when a person finds it physically challenging to try things they usually do, for instance, climbing stairs. Physical fatigue includes muscle weakness, and you can self diagnose with a strength test.
Mental fatigue: With mental fatigue, you can find it harder to process things and stay on task. Mental fatigue has the effect of feeling sleepy or having problems staying awake while working.
Conclude
You can combat all of these points with a good night’s sleep, make sure you have a wind-down time before bedtime and start implementing a nighttime routine.
A great night’s sleep can help
- keep the heart-healthy
- boost the immune system
- you have a sharper mind
- keep your weight controlled
- lower the risk of cancer
- reduce the risk of depression
- keep your body running
Written by James Oliver
Sleepys Express is helping Australians find their dream mattress by cutting through the mattress marketing jargon
