Top 6 benefits of sleeping
- Boosts memory/concentration
Getting a good night's sleep may be the best thing you can do for your memory and concentration. Sleep deprivation can have an adverse effect on both your short- and long-term memory. In one study, people who were sleep-deprived for a week had a harder time remembering words, compared with those who got adequate sleep.
The brain uses sleep to recharge its batteries. For example, it's during sleep that memories are consolidated, which helps them stick. And when you're well-rested, you're more likely to focus and concentrate on the task at hand.
- Lowers stress
Research shows that getting enough sleep helps lower stress levels, which can lead to a healthier weight. When you don't get an adequate amount of rest, your body releases cortisol, the stress hormone that can trigger cravings for high-fat and high-carbohydrate comfort foods, according to researchers from the University of Chicago.
To get better sleep, keep your schedule consistent by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine and nicotine for several hours before bedtime. And if you are having trouble falling asleep, try exercising in the late afternoon or early evening rather than right before you turn in; exercise raises body temperature, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep.
- Fights diseases
Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our health and well-being, yet sadly, it's something that many people take for granted. We tend to take it as a given, but without it, we're in big trouble. Sleep is essential for restoring our energy, helping us stay healthy and making us feel great.
Trouble sleeping can be a sign of other health problems or issues that need to be addressed. Sleep issues that persist should be discussed with your healthcare provider. The AHS recommends 7 or more hours of sleep each night for adults under the age of 65 years old.
A good night's sleep is critical to overall health and wellness. Lack of sleep can cause fatigue, headaches and irritability and may lead to more serious health concerns like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Getting too little sleep over time can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke by 25%. It can also damage your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, flu and other illnesses.
Getting enough quality sleep is vital for maintaining a healthy weight. Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) while decreasing leptin (the satiety hormone) creating an imbalance that may lead to weight gain over time if left
- Increases energy
Sleep is the time when your body gets to repair itself, and after a full night of sleeping, you are more energized than if you had not slept for the entire night. Your mind and your body need sleep to function properly.
Trying to function on little sleep will gradually make you feel worse each day. After an extended period of sleep deprivation, or even after one night of not getting enough sleep, you will be less efficient at work. You will start feeling fatigued, cranky and unfocused in your daily activities.
A good night's sleep improves your mood and helps you think clearly. It allows you to remember things better, so that you can focus better at work and do a better job in all areas of your life. Sleep helps you maintain better productivity. Taking naps can also improve your productivity because it provides a quick boost of energy without the added stress of getting more rest that comes with a full night's sleep.
- Mitigates depression and anxiety
Sleep is the most effective treatment for depression and anxiety, according to a recent research conducted at the University of Michigan.
Treating depression and anxiety with medication can help people get back to their day-to-day lives, but it's an incomplete solution. These disorders are rooted in chemical changes to brain chemistry, but they also have social components. Effective treatment should include both medication and behavioral interventions — in this case, sleep.
The lack of sleep, or poor quality sleep can significantly contribute to the emergence of depression, anxiety and other psychiatric diseases.
- Improves cardiovascular health
Sleep is a key component of cardiovascular health. Research has shown that lack of sleep leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and many other health problems. Sleep helps regulate hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, which can also impact your weight.
Trouble sleeping? Try exercising daily, especially in the morning. Exercise can help you be better rested and may help regulate ghrelin levels. Also consider applying stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation before bedtime.