Let me start by asking you the most important question – When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? I mean it’s so rare to have a peaceful sleep these days. The whole concept of ‘early to sleep, early to rise’ has gone for a toss. To extend ‘awake’ time, people would rather gulp down caffeine or energy drinks, then let the body rest. It’s alarming that we are waking up more tired than refreshed.
Health concerns are rising, headaches and mental block have become a common thing, simply because of inadequate sleep. People would rather pull off a series marathon than catch up on the much-needed slumber. Did you know on average, you need at least 7 hours of sleep daily to recharge? Yet the willingness to delay sleep continues! Here are the top 10 reasons why you need that good sleep and how it can change your life for better.
10 Reasons why a good sleep can improve your lifestyle:
1. Good Appetite
Inadequate sleep can kill your appetite. Studies show that people who are sleep deprived tend to have an irregular appetite. They might either end up eating too much or not at all. So, if your appetite is giving you a hard time lately, it’s time to correct your sleep pattern.
2. Increases Productivity
A good and undisturbed sleep recharges and refreshes the mind, body, and soul, which means an increase in productivity and your level of concentration. So, the next time you feel dazed or the mental fog sets in, go hit the bed.
3. Prevents Acid Refluxes
Did you know, inadequate sleep can cause acid reflux in your body? Lack of sleep increases the production of acid in your stomach which on reaching the esophagus can trigger heartburn. However, so will sleeping too much. So, having a balanced good night’s sleep is important.
4. Reduces chances of Diabetes and other Heart-related diseases
All you have to do is catch up on your slumber to decreases the chances of several health-related diseases! Studies have shown that people who sleep less than 7-8 hours in the 24-hour cycle have a higher risk of chronic heart diseases or type 2 diabetes.
5. Help Maintain Weight
Wondering why you’ve put on those extra kilos? Sleep-deprivation could be one of the reasons. Also, lack of sleep has been deduced as one of the factors leading to obesity. How? Inadequate sleep tends to make you lazier and less motivated to exercise. Also, it could affect the hormones which could eventually lead to weight gain.
6. Improves Agility
Nothing refreshes, recharges, and energies your body like a good night’s sleep, especially if you are into endurance sports like running or swimming. A good 7-8-hour sleep will boost your spirits and motivate you to perform better, thereby improving your overall agility.
7. Keep Your Heart Healthy
Your blood vessels and heart need to rest too. Poor sleep will only aggravate your blood pressure which in the long term can be fatal or lead to a stroke. So, to keep your heart healthy, you must follow a healthy sleep cycle.
8. Eliminates chances of Depression
One of the biggest causes of depression is a sleeping disorder or poor sleep. People who are depressed or those with high suicidal tendencies are found to have a history of inadequate sleep. Your mind needs to rest to think clearly and sleep also eliminates overthinking. Hence, get your body and mind habitual to an ideal sleep pattern to eliminates chances of depression.
9. Strengthens immunity
The weaker your immune system is, the higher the chances are for you to catch a common cold. How? Inadequate sleep can disrupt your immune system and make lesser cytokines which helps fight infection or inflammation. Plus, it will also slow down the recovery period. There’s a reason why the doctor prescribes complete rest to recover from cold to help your immune system regain its strength.
10. No More Mood Swings
A good night’s sleep is the best mood booster. Notice on days when you haven’t slept well, you tend to be crankier or your mood swings in all directions. However, adequate sleep revitalizes your mind and body to be more spirited, outgoing and social. So, if you are feeling cranky lately, you need to rethink your sleep habits.
There you have it, 10 reasons why you need to catch up on that slumber! Let’s not forget that every time you choose to stay awake or cut sleep, you are risking one of the 10 reasons above. Though excessive sleeping has side effects too, adopt a sleep routine that will give your mind and body adequate time to recharge. All those yawns and drowsiness, don’t ignore them, instead go pamper yourself to a good night’s sleep. Happy snoozing!