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Reasons Why Sleeping Is Important for Your Health

From the time that we are born, we often hear about the importance of getting eight hours of sleep without fail. Sadly, meeting deadlines and trying to make more money or just spending time on social media has made this vital step for life sustenance a tad less important for most of us.

There are many reasons why you should instantly make sure that you get at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep every single day to remain healthy. Read on as we discuss the top reasons why you should immediately make changes to your daily schedule to make sure you get more sleep.

Health Benefits of Sleeping #1: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Will Help Reduce Stress

Lack of sleep can often put your body in a state of stress. Also, in the world we live in today, stress has become quite a common health issue. When you don’t get enough sleep, not only do the body's functions not do their job, but your blood pressure and the secretion of stress hormones will also go into overdrive.

High blood pressure can increase your risk of suffering from a heart attack and stroke whereas, stress hormones can make falling asleep difficult. So, make sure that you have a comfortable bed complete with a firm mattress and comfortable pillows to keep your stress levels in check.

Health Benefits of Sleeping #2: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Will Maintain Your Physical Health

One of the main reasons why getting eight hours of sleep is important for life sustenance is because it can regulate the entire functioning of our physical wellbeing. This, of course, is in addition to mental health too.

Your blood sugar levels, immune cells, and even heart health can be effectively maintained when you sleep properly. In addition to all this, sleep can make you feel well-rested. Not only will this help to increase your productivity at work, but it will also help you function in an effective manner throughout the entire day. You will take less time to complete basic tasks while simultaneously decreasing the probability of committing errors.

If you entertain guests frequently, don’t forget to look out for them as well. If you don’t have a guest room, you can always use a sleeper sofa to help them sleep better.

Health Benefits of Sleeping #3: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Will Make You More Alert

You must already be aware of how working becomes easier when you feel active and full of energy. But, if you are lethargic or drowsy, productivity will, of course, be negatively impacted.

Make sure that you sleep well to feel alert and energized the next day. Try to put your entire day to good use by being active and doing productive tasks that make you feel accomplished and slightly tired so that you can enjoy a night of deep sleep.

Health Benefits of Sleeping #4: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Will Improve Your Chances of Reducing Weight

A piece of research conducted by experts found out that people who didn’t sleep adequately per night were more likely to be obese or overweight. As per experts, a lack of sleep can negatively affect your hormonal balance that, in turn, negatively affects your appetite.

Not sleeping enough can alter the production of appetite hormones, leptin and ghrelin. So yes, it’s imperative that you ascertain that you are getting adequate sleep regularly if you want to keep an active check on your weight.

Health Benefits of Sleeping #5: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Will Promote the Healing of Your Body

Naptime is the perfect time to relax. But, it’s also the time when our body starts to repair any damage that might have been caused due to harmful exposure to UV rays, stress, or injury. You see, our cells start to produce more protein while we are asleep. We require these protein molecules to facilitate the building blocks for cells that can help to repair any damage caused.

Health Benefits of Sleeping #6: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Will Boost Your Memory

Our mind is interesting enough in terms of its makeup but what makes it unique is its processing. When you are sleeping, your mind starts to work to strengthen your memories or consolidates any skills that you might have learned while you are awake.

As per Dr. David Rapoport, an associate professor at NYU Langone Medical Center, “If you are trying to learn something, whether it’s physical or mental, you learn it to a certain point with practice. But, something happens while you sleep that makes you learn it better.“

Health Benefits of Sleeping #7: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Will Help Curb Inflammation

Suffering from inflammation to your joints and the surrounding tissues has become a common health condition that many people are suffering from. Thankfully, getting a proper night's sleep can be really beneficial for chronic pain and arthritis patients.

As mentioned before, lack of sleep can increase the production of stress hormones in the body, which can increase inflammation. This is most certainly something that you do not want to happen. Inflammation can cause deterioration as we grow older by increasing our risks of suffering from heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions.

Health Benefits of Sleeping #8: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Will Lower Depression Levels

Having an adequate amount of sleep will make you feel happier and refreshed while simultaneously reducing irritability. 

According to Dr. Raymonde Jean, MD, director of sleep medicine and associate director of critical care at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, "Lack of sleep can contribute to depression. A good night’s sleep can really help a moody person decrease anxiety. You get more emotional stability with good sleep."

Doctors even advise against the concept of making up for lost sleep during the weekends. "If you sleep more on the weekends, you simply aren’t sleeping enough in the week. It’s all about finding a balance," adds Dr. Rapoport.

Resources— Very Well Health, Health