Sleep For Your Health
Sleep is incredibly important for all aspects of our health, but is often sacrificed due to our busy lives. Far too many of us don’t get the 7-9 hours that is required for most adults. However numerous studies have shown that people who get the proper amount of sleep have better physical health, emotional well-being, and also live longer than those who don’t.
Benefits of sleep:
Refresh:
Getting a good night’s sleep will make you feel alert and energized. This allows you to get more done, be more engaged, and to be active. In turn, if you have a positive and active day, you are more likely to sleep better the next night.
Reduce stress
Our bodies and brains need sleep in order to stay in balance. A lack of sleep is directly linked to increased stress and mood problems. Getting the required amount of sleep can greatly improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sleep also lowers blood pressure and helps to regulate stress hormones.
Help Memory
Sleep is not only important for our ability to take in and process new information, but it is also necessary for memory. Sleep deprivation affects our ability to access information that we have previously learned. It also can affect our judgment and decision making skills.
Reduce weight
A research study conducted at the University of Chicago concluded that dieters who were well rested lost more fat than those who were sleep deprived. Sleep is also necessary to help regulate the hormones that affect appetite. After even one night of sleep deprivation, the change in these hormones can cause you to feel more hungry than usual, and can also affect metabolism and slow down metabolism.