The Importance of Getting Enough Sleep

Count sheep to count on health benefits

We all know the feeling of not getting enough shut eye. Days seem longer, and a routine task can be like climbing Everest. Getting enough sleep is crucial to overall health, both mentally and physically. Deep, genuine slumber can determine the amount of energy you will have throughout your day, your mood and your body's response to familiar and unfamiliar variables. If that's not enough, lack of rest can lead to chronic health issues and change the way you think and act around others. Snuggle up, pour yourself some chamomile tea and check out a few reasons why turning off and turning in earlier can change your daily outlook. 

1. Improves Memory and Concentration

Sleep plays a vital role in the way the brain functions. A recent research study found that not getting enough sleep effects the brain in a similar way as alcohol does by slowing memory and concentration. Getting enough sleep has been proven to increase problem-solving skills, overall concentration and memory.

2. Maintains a Healthy Weight

Sleep and metabolism are both controlled by the same sectors of the brain, controlling appetite. When people don’t get enough sleep, they tend to eat more throughout the day. In a study conducted at the University of Chicago, dieters who were well rested lost 56% more fat compared to those who were sleep deprived.

3.  Reduces Stress and Boosts Mood

Sleep is often the best remedy in dealing with stress and boosting overall mood. It maintains a healthy balance of hormones, making it easier to cope with stress and change.  Raymonde Jean, MD and dissector of sleep medicine states, “if you sleep better, you can certainly live better. It’s pretty clear.”

4. Decreases Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. A research study examined 15 sleep deprived people and found that they were at a greater risk of heart disease or stroke in comparison to those who slept for 8 hours each night. Slut eye can also impact blood sugar, affecting glucose metabolism and creating a higher risk of developing diabetes.

5. Strengthens Immune System

Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase chances of getting sick. Even just a slight loss of sleep can impair the immune system functions. Because the immune system relies on getting enough sleep to stay healthy, deprivation of sleep changes the way the immune system responds to foreign or harmful substances.

Sleep better knowing you have an appointment with Higher Health. Book now.