Sleep is important because it helps us repair and restore our bodies after a long day. If you are not getting 7-9 hours of sleep at night, you will not be able to function properly. In America, 70% of adults report that they obtain insufficient sleep at least one night a month, and 11% report insufficient sleep every night. Regardless of your age, getting a good night’s sleep provides many benefits. Many may think that as you get older, you do not need as much sleep. But without getting the proper amount it can lead to a weakened immune system, cause weight gain, and puts you at risk of certain diseases. To learn more about the benefits, keep on reading!
Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep
Reducing the Risk of Diseases
- Going to sleep at an earlier time is a preventive measure for life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Lack of sleep has also been associated with worsening blood pressure and cholesterol. If anyone were to ask, would you want to reduce those risks? Of course, you would say yes. So, it is essential that you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Something as simple as this can possibly save your life.
Feeling Happier
- When getting the proper amount of sleep, it can be linked to happiness. This is because sleep impacts many chemicals of the body, including serotonin. When having serotonin deficiencies, you are more likely to suffer from depression. This is where occupational therapists come into play. Experts of occupational therapy are able to help individuals by performing behavioral health assessments, which can then offer some insight into their condition. Through their observations, they can understand and find the proper treatment for the individual.
Improving Productivity and Memory
- Getting good quality sleep is vital for brain health and cognitive function. Sleep provides an opportunity for the body to restore what is lost when awake – energy. When not getting enough sleep, a person’s concentration abilities and attention decrease. By sleeping earlier you can also avoid feeling exhausted throughout the day. Along with this, good sleep has an impact on one’s memory and plays an important role in a process called memory consolidation. Sleep helps us to process things better and retain information long-term.
May Help You Lose Weight
- It has been found that people who sleep fewer hours are more likely to be overweight or obese. A lack of sleep causes an imbalance that affects your appetite. As said by Dr. Rapoport, “Sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same sectors of the brain. When you are sleepy, certain hormones go up in your blood, and those same hormones drive appetite”. If you want to maintain or lose weight, consider going to sleep earlier!
There are plenty of benefits to getting a good night’s sleep. Some may think that there are not enough hours in the day to get work done, but it is important to remember that sleeping is essential to one’s health. If you do not treat your body to the proper amount of sleep, it can have lasting effects. By simply going to sleep earlier you can have immense benefits. It can help improve your mood, productivity, and also prolong our lives. Your body is a temple and it is important that you treat it as such.