Getting the required hours of sleep in a day provides one with numerous health benefits.
Working long hours and not getting enough sleep is a consequence of modern-day life, but this can be very detrimental to one’s health.
Besides the fact that you generally feel tired and less productive all day when you don’t get enough sleep, it may also be the underlying cause of some serious illnesses.
Not getting enough sleep at night can also be a sign of various sleep ailments, such as Narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Shift Work Sleep Disorder, which can result in excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
One can easily treat excessive daytime sleepiness and promote wakefulness and alertness by taking Modafinil (the wakefulness-promoting agent). Many Modafinil users in Australia have reported a significant improvement in productivity and energy after taking this drug.
Researchers and scientists have gained a better understanding of the importance of sleeping to our body system, and it is recommended that an adult sleeps for an average of 8 hours per day.
Many factors can contribute to how well you sleep, including your choice of mattress; you can explore the different types available at mattress review Australia.
Other things such as exercising regularly, avoiding late-night meals, reducing the number of caffeinated drinks you take, and even buying accessories that can make your home more conducive can all contribute to sleeping better.
The health benefits of sleep include:
Less risk of obesity
Obesity is a condition where one accumulates excess body fat and is often a predisposing factor to other more severe complications.
Some researchers have drawn a link between insufficient sleep and excessive weight gain, while others are not very clear on it yet.
It is suggested that poor sleeping patterns affect the activities of the hormones that control appetite, leptin, and ghrelin. This may cause an increased appetite for unhealthy foods leading to weight gain.
A healthy heart
The body system is in a completely relaxed state when asleep. Certain hormones that have a protective effect on the blood vessels and the heart are released, and these help keep the cardiovascular system healthy.
Also, blood pressure is generally lowered during sleep, which rests the load on the heart. Persistent blood pressure can result in hypertension, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
Long-term sleep deprivation will hinder these physiological processes in place to protect the heart, leading to heart diseases.
Regulation of sugar levels
The body employs its homeostatic machinery to maintain the levels of blood glucose. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas and helps lower blood sugar when it is at high levels.
Metabolism occurs at a high rate when sleeping. When one doesn’t get enough sleep, the blood sugar can elevate, increasing the risk of Diabetes – Type 2.
It can also cause mood dysfunction, low energy levels, and impaired mental health.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Not getting enough sleep can bring about unprecedented levels of stress.
This causes you to be anxious, highly irritable, and unproductive during the day.
Having a restful sleep will keep you mentally sharp and focused. This helps to quell anxiety, keeps you relaxed, and increases your productivity.
Boosts memory
Another health benefit of a good night’s sleep is improving your memory. When you are sleep deprived, you will likely find it difficult to remember things easily.
But with enough sleep, you can take up new information faster and store it in long-term memories. Memory consolidation in the brain is enhanced by sleep.
Enhances immunity
The immune system refers to the body’s organs, systems, and processes that defend against infection and foreign bodies.
The immune system is regulated during sleep, and when one does not get enough sleep, it can result in erratic actions of the immune system that may cause inflammation.
Persistent inflammation may cause damage and ulceration to some body tissues. This can be a precursor to more harmful conditions.
Promotes body repairs
Much of the repair and regeneration of worn-out tissues occurs when one is sleeping.
This greatly benefits athletes who need their bodies in peak conditions for performance. Good sleep allows them to heal and recover on time from any wear and tear sustained.
It sharpens their mental alertness, allows athletes to perform at a higher intensity and energy, and move with better speed and coordination.
Better mental health
Some studies suggest that people who sleep less are more prone to having issues with their mental health. They tend to experience depression more than those who sleep regularly for the required hours per day.
There are also researches that lack of sleep can affect one’s social and emotional intelligence, as people are less likely to be able to consider others’ emotions into consideration when they are not adequately rested.
Oversleeping
Yes, there is such a thing as oversleeping! While getting enough sleep benefits your overall health, it is not recommended to spend all your day in bed.
Oversleeping has been linked with medical conditions like cognitive impairment, impaired fertility, heart diseases, depression, obesity, etc.
Conclusion
Sleeping is an important part of our lives and daily routine and should be well attended to. It is vital for our overall health and well-being.
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