THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
Colin Witchard
Helping add years to your life and life to your years. Founder & CEO|Health &Wellness Consultant
Sleep is vital to human health. It allows our bodies and minds to rest and recharge and plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Recent surveys have revealed that millions of people are not getting enough sleep. Experts recommend 7 to 9?hours of sleep for adults, yet it is believed that 1 in 3 do not get that every night.?
Lack of sleep can lead to several health problems, including obesity, poor mental health, and insomnia.
The importance of sleep?
Sleep is crucial for our physical and mental health and plays a role in everything from weight control to memory function. Here are five ways that getting enough sleep can benefit your health:?
1. Sleep helps to boost immunity?
A good night's sleep boosts immunity. When we sleep, our bodies produce more white blood cells, which help fight off infection and can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.?
2. Sleep boosts productivity?
A lack of sleep can make it difficult to focus and be productive. Sleep gives our bodies a much-needed chance to rest and recover from the day's demands. It helps clear away the mental cobwebs that can accumulate after a long day of work or study. Additionally, sleep helps to consolidate memories and supports creative thinking.?
3. Sleep improves mood and overall well-being?
When we sleep, our bodies can repair themselves and restore energy levels. This is essential for physical health but also significantly impacts our mood and overall well-being. Studies have shown that those who get enough sleep are more likely to report feeling happy and satisfied with their lives.??
4. Sleep supports healthy brain function?
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During sleep, the brain rests and consolidates memories. It also clears out toxins that build up during the day, which aid in increasing focus, concentration and improving our decision-making skills. Regularly getting adequate rest is crucial for maintaining good mental health as it improves our mood, energy levels and hormone regulation for optimal?brain function.?
5. Sleep aids in healthy weight management?
Sleep is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight. Adequate sleep helps balance a number of hormones, including reducing the level of adrenaline and cortisol production, which can be contributors to weight gain. Getting enough sleep helps keep your body in tune with its needs. When we are tired, we tend to have an energy drop throughout the day and then reach for caffeine, sugar, and other instant blood sugar boosters to help us get through. This can cause irregular metabolism and impacts our body’s wisdom to identify when we are full and satiated.??
6. Sleep promotes cardiovascular health?
Sleep plays an important role in keeping the heart healthy.?Studies?have established a strong link between sleep and cardiovascular health, whereby regular quality sleep can assist with decreasing hypertension, obesity, and strokes.
?Sleep recommendations for adults and children
Sleep recommendations are for the following number of hours of sleep for adults, teenagers, children and infants:?
It's important to note that these are only averages, and everyone's sleep needs are different. The amount of sleep you need will vary based on your biology and?lifestyle?and even according to the season.??
If you are struggling to get the rest you need, you may want to consider talking to a sleep consultant. Sleep consultants are trained to help you identify and overcome obstacles to getting good sleep by developing healthy sleep habits and providing tools to help manage other contributing factors.