7 reasons why you need to sleep well
Beauty sleep may be good for your face and skin, but deep sleep is half of your health, puts you in a good mood, and is a big drive of energy in your body. Although quality sleep is important for well-being, you’d be surprised to hear that more than a third of Americans are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.
That’s the reason why millions of Americans suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and parasomnias, which can lead to serious physical and mental health issues. A lack of sleep at night can ruin your mood, but also seriously endanger your health. Sleep deprivation can make you feel grumpy, but also at a higher risk to develop diabetes! Here are 7 reasons why you need to sleep well and improve your health!
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1. Poor sleep is responsible for weight gain
If you are on a diet make sure you get enough sleep, otherwise, you will not lose weight. Although it sounds strange, sleep is connected to weight gain. Sleep-deprived people have a difficulty controlling their appetite and are more often hungry. Lack of sleep and short sleep duration leads to weight gain easily. Basically, short sleep duration is one of the main factors for obesity.
According to one study, kids and adults with short sleep duration were 89% and 55% more likely to develop obesity. Poor sleep is related to negative changes in your metabolism. So, if you’re trying to lose weight, make sure you sleep well! And if you have trouble sleeping, make sure you get the best gadgets for sleeping.
Read also: Top 9 gadgets for better sleeping
2. Good sleep can improve concentration and productivity
Good sleep can make you smarter! You've probably heard that sleeping after studying helps your brain remember things faster and easier. It's true. Sleep affects many aspects of brain function including cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance. Getting enough sleep can improve your problem-solving skills and enhance the memory performance of both kids and adults.
One study found that short sleep can negatively impact brain function similar to alcohol intoxication! Also, studies on medical interns have shown that interns on a traditional schedule with extended work hours of more than 24 hours made 36% more serious medical errors than interns on a schedule that allowed more sleep. If you would like to fall asleep faster, look for unique products and lifestyle subscription boxes with gadgets for sleepyheads.
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3. Sleep affects your health more than you think
You already know that sleep plays an important role in your physical health. Yet people still think that nothing terrible could happen to them if they sleep a few hours a day. Sleep quality and duration are responsible for many health issues, such as heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
One research found that people who don’t get enough sleep are at great risk of heart disease than those who sleep 8 hours per night. For the average adult, getting at least 7 hours of sleep is crucial for maintaining good health. At least 8 hours of sleep can improve your immune function and help you fight the cold. Sleeping disorders such as insomnia, are often risk factors for suicide attempts and suicidal behavior.
4. Sleep reduces stress and improves mood
If you ever feel lonely or depressed, take a nap! Getting enough sleep will keep you in a better mood throughout the day. Lack of sleep produces an elevated level of stress hormones, which are a natural result of a fast lifestyle. When you’re in a deep sleep, your brain processes your emotions and learns how to react the right way. Insufficient sleep produces more negative emotional reactions.
Lack of sleep can also raise the chance of having a mood disorder. People with insomnia, are five times more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. Such mental health issues are often related to poor sleep quality. Almost 90% of people with depression complain about sleep quality. If you need something to improve your mood during quarantine, check our summer subscription box!
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5. Lack of sleep generates social anxiety
Have you ever woken up hangover and bothered by everyone? Have you ever been so grumpy to hang out with friends because of not getting enough sleep? It’s because sleep affects social interactions, and not sleeping enough generates social anxiety. Researchers believe that lack of sleep causes people to become less social and lonely. Poor sleep affects your ability to recognize important social cues, read facial expressions, and process emotional information.
One study has shown that people who hadn’t slept had a reduced ability to recognize feelings like anger and happiness. According to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, sleep-deprived people feel much lonelier and less inclined to engage with others, avoiding close contact in the same way as people with social anxiety.
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6. Sleeping can make an athlete out of you
What does a dream have to do with athletes? Well, if you’re an athlete, or you’re into running, swimming, and biking, poor sleep will affect your performance. Sleep loss affects endurance sports the most. If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t have enough energy and time for muscle repair.
Also, lack of sleep destroys your will and motivation to win and compete. To sum up, lack of sleep will make you tired, sleepy, powerless, slower, and less motivated, making you less prepared for the competition.
7. Sleep helps your body repair itself!
Children are often told that they have to sleep in the afternoon to grow up fast and be healthy. Even though you are not a child, this rule applies to you too. You may not be able to grow anymore, but you can always be healthier. Sleep is a time to relax, but also a powerful tool that helps your body to repair.
While you’re sleeping, your body repairs the damage caused by stress and hard work. As your cells are producing more protein during sleep, the molecules form the building blocks for cells, allowing them to repair the damage. Here’s an example. If you’re suffering with pain from a recent injury, getting enough sleep can make it hurt less. The more sleep you get, the less pain you’ll feel.
