Many myths surrounded the science of sleep and doctors often ignored it in the past. However, times have changed, and we now understand the importance of sleep to overall well-being and health much better. For instance, we now know that people who do not get at least 6 to 7 hours sleep each night are more prone to developing diseases. If you’re still wondering why getting enough sleep is important, here are 10 reasons to help you understand the health benefits of better sleep each night.
Healthy Heart
The probability of strokes and heart attacks is higher during the early morning hours. It may be due to the manner in which sleep interacts with the blood vessels inside the body.
Lack of sleep may lead to worsening of cholesterol and blood pressure which have been identified as risk factors for heart disease as well as stroke. Sleeping for 7 to 9 hours each night will keep your heart healthy.
May Prevent Cancer
Not many people know that people working the late shift have a higher risk of developing colon and breast cancer. Melatonin is a hormone which is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, and it is also believed to protect the body against cancer as it is believed to suppress the growth of tumors.
Researchers are of the opinion that exposure to light reduces the level of melatonin in the body. You should ensure that your bedroom is dark when sleeping. You should also avoid using any electronics before going to bed to allow production of the needed amount of melatonin in your body.
Stress Reduction
Your body goes into a state of stress when it is sleep-deficient. Various functions in your body start working on high alert that leads to the production of stress hormones and high blood pressure.
Increased level of stress hormones in your body makes it difficult for you to fall asleep and higher blood pressure also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is recommended to learn various relaxation techniques to fall asleep faster and to negate the effects of stress.
source: home.bt.com
Inflammation Reduction
Increased level of stress hormones in the body due to lack of sleep also leads to higher levels of inflammation in the body. This increases the risk for certain heart-related conditions, diabetes as well as cancer. It is believed that inflammation leads to deterioration of body with age.
Higher Alertness
You feel energized with a good night’s sleep, and you are also more alert the next day. It not only feels great to be active and engaged but it also enhances the chances of getting a good night’s sleep.
When you wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, you should use that energy to engage with the world, do active things and get out and enjoy the daylight. It will help you sleep better in the night and will also enhance your energy levels.
Memory Improvement
Science still hasn’t been able to answer the reason we require sleep and why we dream, but researchers have understood that sleep plays a very important role in a process known as memory consolidation. Your body rests when you fall asleep, but it is the time when your brain processes your day.
It makes connections between memories, feelings, sensory inputs and events. Deep sleep is extremely important as this is when your brain makes memories and links. Increased time of high-quality sleep will not only make your memory better but will also help your brain process things better.
Weight Loss
Researchers have found that people who do not get at least seven hours of sleep each night are more likely to be obese or overweight. It is believed that sleep deficiency leads to an imbalance in certain hormone levels in the body. These are the hormones that affect your appetite.
For instance, leptin and ghrelin help in regulating appetite, and these are disrupted by sleep deficiency. In case you want to lose weight or maintain existing weight, you should understand that getting adequate sleep is a very important part of the equation.
Get Smart with Napping
You are wrong if you think that sleeping is only meant for night time. According to Vivarin, a refreshing and effective alternative to caffeine that is not only good for your health but also helps in making you more productive is daytime napping.
A study that involved 24,000 Greek adults showed that people in the habit of napping many times a week had a much lower risk of dying from heart diseases. Also, people who regularly nap at work have lower stress levels. Napping also helps in improving mood, cognitive function as well as memory.
source: folio.ca
Reduces the Risk of Depression
Sleep has an effect on a variety of chemicals in the body that also include serotonin. Serotonin deficiencies may increase the risk of depression in people. By sleeping for 7 to 9 hours each night, you can reduce the risk of developing depression.
Better Self Repair
Sleep makes you relaxed. Your body keeps working when you’re sleeping to repair the damage caused due to harmful exposure, ultraviolet rays, and stress.
More protein is produced by the cells in your body while sleeping. This protein produced by the cells acts as the building blocks for your body which helps in repairing the damage.
If you’re interested in a better night’s rest, then a new mattress such as this one from Stearns and Foster could be a good idea.