5 Major Health Benefits of Getting Enough Sleep
Have you ever wondered if your lack of sleep is sabotaging your health, body and life?
What we once thought of as an unfortunate mandatory waste of time we now know is absolutely crucial for a healthy life. Sleep is so important for so many aspects of your being. Although some people claim they can function just fine off less, 8 hours is really what your body needs to rest, repair and rejuvenate.
Here are just some of the improvements you will see in your life once you start to give in to the need for those extra zzz’s.
Depression Relief
Sleep allows your body to unwind, releasing anxiety and relieving depression. A lack of sleep can result in emotional instability which leads to panic and sadness, resulting in anxiety or depression. And if you think you can make up for a lack of sleep during the week by sleeping in on the weekends you are wrong. Try your best to get adequate sleep every night to help keep your body and mind in tip, top shape.
Stress Reduction
Sleep has been proven to relieve stress, which is not only good for the mind but the body as well. In addition to reduced stress, sleep also helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels which directly correlate to the levels of stress you feel.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same parts of the brain so when you feel tired you often feel hungry, even if you’re not. Likewise, when you are well rested you are more likely to be in tune with your hunger signals as well as make better choices with foods. Additionally, research has shown that people who are well rested and dieting have lost more weight than those who were tired (who conversely lost more muscle mass).
Increase Creativity
Sleep has been proven to strengthen memory and cognitive function which is believed to also improve creativity. Research at Harvard University and Boston College found that sleep strengthens the emotional components of memory which can help spur the creative process.
Curb Inflammation
Studies have shown that people who get less than 6 hours of sleep have higher levels of blood inflammatory proteins than those who get more. High levels of inflammation are linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and premature aging.
Work, family and other priorities can make it difficult to get enough sleep. But remember when your health is compromised so is everything else. Although it can be difficult, adding even an hour of sleep to your schedule can do wonders. And if you have trouble unwinding, try putting on some relaxing music, reading a book, spraying lavender on your pillow or wearing a lavender eye mask or drinking some warm milk or tea.
