Why You Need To Be Hittin’ The Hay And Getting Those 40 Winks

Image Credit: Pexels

We all know that to keep healthy you should be eating a nutritious diet and exercising often, but did you know that getting a good night’s sleep is just as important? With our lives being so busy today, people are sleeping less than they did in the past, and sleep quality have decreased as well. There are several reasons why good sleep is essential and here are just a few.

Poor Sleep Is Linked To Weight Gain

People who don’t get much sleep tend to weigh significantly more than those who get adequate sleep. Short sleep duration is one of the most influential risk factors for obesity. In one in-depth review study, children and adults with short sleep duration were 89% and 55% more likely to become obese, respectively.

This also links with the fact that people who get plenty of sleep tend to eat fewer calories.

Studies show that sleep-deprived people have a bigger appetite and a tendency to eat more calories. Sleep has also been shown to enhance sports performance too, and a study found that women who had poor sleep also walked slower, had lower grip strength and greater difficulty performing independent activities.

Good Sleep Can Improve Concentration and Productivity

Sleep is vital for various aspects of brain function including cognition, concentration, productivity and performance which without a decent sleep can all be negatively affected. Good sleep has been shown to boost problem-solving skills and enhance memory performance in both adults and children.

Poor Sleepers Are At A Bigger Risk Heart Disease And Stroke

It’s known that sleep quality and the amount of sleep you have can have a significant effect on many health risk factors which are believed to be related to chronic diseases such as heart disease.

Studies have shown that people who don’t get enough sleep are at far higher risk of a stroke or heart disease than those who get 7–8 hours sleep per night.

Poor Sleep Is Linked to Depression

Poor mental health, such as depression and anxiety, are strongly linked to poor sleep quality and sleeping disorders. Poor sleep is even related to suicide as well.

Sleep Improves Your Immune Function

Even just a small loss of sleep can affect your immune system so, if you’re someone who frequently suffers from colds, ensuring that you get at least eight hours of sleep per night could be very helpful. Eating more garlic can help as well.

To make sure you get a good night’s rest, invest in a decent bed, a decent mattress, perhaps one which features temperature-sensitive material which conforms to the shape of your body reducing discomfort caused by pressure points by redistributing pressure so you can immediately relax into your most comfortable sleeping position and remain there fully supported. You should also make sure you go to bed at a reasonable hour and avoid using technology before you go to sleep. Try a hot drink of milk before bed; you could also buy edibles, try a herbal tea or do some mediation to help you get a restful night.