Most of us don’t realize the importance of sleep. Unfortunately, as we grow, our sleep patterns change. Usually by our own doing. Even today, if I finish with all my work earlier than expected, I wouldn’t head to bed. I always find myself either browsing random how to fall asleep quickly. And I am sure I’m not alone in this.
Most of us probably do the same thing. It doesn’t matter how tired we are. Sleep somehow always seems to be a low priority. But research has made it clear that it shouldn’t be. There are countless benefits of sleep. And, unfortunately, there are also as many harmful effects of sleep deprivation.
7 Health Benefits of a Good Sleep Routine
The most obvious benefit of sleep is that it gives your mind time to rest. Not literally of course. But when you wake from a good sleep, you are likely to be refreshed, alert, and ready to take on the world. Or, you know, do your chores, whichever comes first.
- Better Weight Management
- Improved Appetite
- Increased Concentration
- Lower Risk of Heart Disease
- Lower Risk of Mental Illness
- Higher Immune Functions
- Better Emotional Health
1. Better Weight Management
Did you know that adults who don’t get enough sleep are 55% more likely to suffer from obesity? The figures are more terrifying for children. Who become 89% more likely to suffer from obesity. That’s because when you are sleeping, your body heals itself. In the process, it releases hormones that help with digestion.
Additionally, when you are sleep deprived, you tend to become lethargic. That means your body and minds aren’t operating at full efficiency. So you are less likely to be motivated to work out. And slower body functions also mean that the food you consume is going to take longer to digest.
2. Improved Appetite
When your body is well-rested, it’s functions are regularized. That means your brain will be able to receive signals from the stomach when it’s full. So there are fewer chances for you to overeat. And the food you consume is processed faster and more efficiently. So you can gain more energy from your food.
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But when your body is sleep deprived the reverse happens. Your body functions become slower and therefore your brain gets the signal later. Which means, by the time your brain gets the signal to stop eating, it’s already too late. You would have likely overeaten.
3. Increased Concentration
While your body is sleeping, it is healing itself and the mind. That’s why you feel more alert after a good night of sleep. But did you know that sleep can result in improved concentration and memory? Not only that, but it is also directly linked with enhanced problem-solving abilities.
So if you are well rested you can be certain that your brain performance will be better. That means sleep can help you perform better at work, in school, and even socially. The more focused you are, the better the conversations you can hold. And who doesn’t enjoy witty comments?
4. Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Did you know that sleep deprivation has been directly linked with chronic diseases like heart disease? It is also known to increase the risk of diabetes. In fact, a study was conducted to track the effects of sleep deprivation on healthy yond individuals.
The study found that just six days of sleeping for four hours resulted in major changes in the body. The participants of the study faced symptoms of prediabetes. Thankfully, they resolved within a week of returning to healthy sleep cycles.
5. Lower Risk of Mental Illness
One of the most common mental illnesses to affect people today is depression. And sleep deprivation is found to be a leading cause of the illness. Of course, this doesn’t mean that sleeping is a cure for depression. But it does mean that patients suffering from depression, often complain of poor sleep.
In fact, studies show that about 87% of people suffering from depression report poor sleep quality. Additionally, research clearly shows that patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia show higher depressive tendencies.
6. Higher Immune Functions
Studies have shown that the immune system is the first to be affected when you aren’t getting enough sleep. Even a week of less sleep is enough to impair your body’s immune system. And with a weakened immune system, your body becomes more inhabitable for viruses.
So a lack of sleep could be the reason for your cold or flu. Often, when you feel an onset of a cold, then a good night’s rest will fix it.
7. Better Emotional Health
One of the most important health benefits of good sleep is improved emotional health. When your body gets enough sleep, there is a release of hormones that improve your emotions. Have you ever wondered why you wake up feeling content? It’s because your body was able to release those hormones while you slept.
