A lot has been said about the importance of sleep for your body and mind, but what are the health benefits of having a good night's rest?


In this article, I will discuss the scientific studies behind the various health benefits of sleep.

STEP 1: Learn What Your Body Needs

Before you start trying to find the health benefits of sleep, you need to understand what your body requires so that you know what is missing when you are sleeping. Sleep deprivation is associated with many illnesses and diseases, so you need to know how much sleep you really need to stay healthy.

What Is Sleep Good For?

There are some basic things your body does while you are asleep, but what does the medical community recommend as a minimum for an ideal sleep pattern?

The recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7-8 hours.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night can cause mood swings, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, irritability, and weight gain. On the other hand, getting more than 8 hours of sleep can lead to chronic fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, decreased attention span, and impaired memory.

Why Does Sleep Matter?

The importance of sleep goes beyond simply helping your body recover and repair itself; it plays a vital role in maintaining good overall health. Without adequate amounts of sleep, your immune system may weaken and you may be susceptible to diseases and illness.

STEP 2: Understand What Your Body Can Tell You

Your body needs certain nutrients to function well, and when it doesn't receive them, problems tend to occur. The same is true when your body does not receive adequate amounts of rest. If you don't eat and sleep enough, it can affect your appetite, digestion, and overall mood.

What Is Fatigue?

When you do not sleep well, you often feel exhausted, unfocused, and stressed. If you've had a bad day at work, and you're not able to sleep well that night, you may even feel the effects the next morning.

Sleep Deprivation May Trigger Depression

Studies show that people who sleep insufficient amounts of hours are likely to suffer from depression. Sleep deprivation causes elevated levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), which in turn leads to decreased serotonin production (which is a key neurotransmitter). The combination of low levels of serotonin and high levels of cortisol is a recipe for depression.

What Are Other Signs of Sleep Deprivation?

You may also experience many other side effects when your body is deprived of sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to:

• Weight gain

• Insomnia

• Irritability

• Lack of motivation

• Changes in personality

• Increased risk of injury

• Reduced alertness

• Memory impairment

Other Illnesses Associated With Sleep Problems

Lack of sleep has been linked to other health issues including:

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Cancer

• Respiratory diseases

• Chronic pain

• Depression