All human beings like to get more sleep, especially at night. However, sleep appears to be quite elusive for most of us. In fact, inadequate slumber can affect our health in many ways. According to the experts, one ought to sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours every night so as to lead a stress-free and healthy life. Here, we have focused on the benefits of having good sleep at night.
1. Maintain the health of your heart
Insufficient sleep can result in the increment of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, as well as diabetes. In case you wake up too frequently, it can stimulate your sympathetic nervous system which is accountable for the “fight-or-flight” response of your system. This response is actually the physical reaction of your body once it senses danger. The sympathetic nervous system likewise aids in activating your cardiovascular system and increasing your blood pressure for waking you up. However, in case you remain awake too frequently, your system will not be able to compensate for the increment in blood pressure. Thus, your blood pressure level might remain higher in the long run. High blood pressure can also result in coronary heart ailment and stroke.
Besides this, insufficient slumber can also lead to poor insulin regulation. Insulin is responsible for controlling your blood sugar levels. In case you are deprived of sufficient sleep, there is a disruption of the ability of your body to control your blood sugar levels which can cause diabetes in the long run. Consequently, getting adequate sleep is essential for looking after the health of your heart.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
In case you are suffering from insufficient sleep you might find it tough to control your hunger pangs which can result in unwanted weight gain. When you are not getting proper sleep, more energy will be required by your body since it has to remain awake for a longer span of time. According to some studies, being deprived of sleep can result in the alteration of hormone levels which are meant to signal fullness and hunger in your system. In this way, you might be enticed to choose unhealthy food items and also overeat, especially at night. Therefore, sleep is essential for controlling the manner in which food is used by your system for getting energy which can help you to maintain a healthy weight eventually.
3. Strengthen your immune system
A good night’s slumber will aid in strengthening your immune system while keeping germs at bay. Sleep provides your body with the opportunity to rest plus repair, and this is one of the main reasons why you feel exhausted and like to sleep more once you are sick. Slumber allows the cells and proteins of your immune system to identify and also destroy any foreign invader with which your body might come in contact, such as the common cold. Sleep likewise allows these cells to remember these foreign invaders such that in case you come across identical germs once again, you will be able to combat them.
4. Sharper brain
Once you are suffering from insufficient sleep, you will probably find it difficult to hold onto and recall details. The reason for this is that slumber is responsible for enhancing your memory as well as learning abilities. You will find it difficult to focus and absorb new information without adequate sleep. It will also not be possible for your brain to store memories properly such that you can recall them later.
5. Enhance your attention and concentration
It is not surprising that a proper night’s sleep will help to provide you with sufficient energy throughout the day. Getting lots of rest will prevent your mind from wandering and you will be capable of focusing during the day. Inadequate sleep will imply that your body, as well as your brain, will not be able to function properly the following day. This can impair your ability to think strategically, concentrate, and also react to different situations. This will be vital in case you need to make a big decision, drive for a long time, or even operate heavy machinery.
6. Look after your emotional wellbeing
It is quite natural for you to stay awake all night in case you are suffering from stress and many things are going on in your mind. In the event of not sleeping properly at night will also affect your mood and you might feel low as well. This can make you more anxious and you might be suffering from negative thoughts too. In this way, you will not be able to sleep for a long time at night. It will be a good idea to practice mindfulness in your free time which will aid you in sleeping better and taking care of your mental health too. Make sure to jot down your concerns on a piece of paper prior to going to bed. This will help you to arrange your thoughts and get an adequate nap as well.
7. Minimize your levels of stress
There can be many things that can make you feel stressed, and how you will be dealing with stress will be different from other folks. However, feeling stressed due to various factors such as work, financial problems, and so on can play an essential role in you not having proper sleep at night. Once you are feeling stressed, your system is going to release cortisol (a stress hormone) that can make you stay awake. On the contrary, sufficient sleep at night will help to relax the different systems in your body that will help you to get rid of stress.
8. Make you more alert
In case you sleep properly at night, you are going to feel energized and active the following day. Being active throughout the day will help you to sleep better the following night as well.
9. Help to repair your system
Even though slumber is a time for unwinding, it will also provide you with an opportunity of repairing the damage in your system caused by unwanted stress and ultraviolet rays. While sleeping, more protein will be produced by the cells in your body that will help to repair the damage effectively.
