13 Jul Why Good Sleep is Important for Health

A good night’s sleep is critical to staying in good health. It’s just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to brain function, can lead to weight gain, and can increase stress levels, amongst other negative consequences. Here are 4 reasons why a good night’s rest is so important to our health:

Improved Concentration and Productivity

Sleep is vital for various aspects of brain function. This includes cognition, productivity, concentration, and performance. Good sleep has been shown to improve problem-solving skills and enhance memory performance in both children and adults. For children, sleep patterns have a direct impact on their behavior and academic performance.

Lower Weight Gain Risk

Consistent poor sleep is one of the highest risk factors for obesity and weight gain. This correlation is in part because good sleepers tend to eat fewer calories. Sleep deprivation disrupts the fluctuations in appetite hormones that control the body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly. Sleep deprivation leads to higher levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, and reduced levels of leptin, which suppresses appetite.

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Those who don’t get 7-8 hours of sleep per night are at a much greater risk of heart disease and stroke, mainly because getting an adequate amount of sleep each night allows the body to regulate blood pressure levels properly. Getting adequate sleep each night reduces the chance of sleep-related conditions like apnea and promotes better heart health.

Improved Athletic Performance

Good sleep is just as important to athletes as consuming enough calories and nutrients. When we sleep, the body heals the muscles that athletes break down during their workouts, so quality sleep is essential for those who work out regularly. Other benefits of good sleep for athletes include more energy, better coordination, faster speed, and better performance intensity.

The best way to start getting a good night’s sleep starts with reviewing your habits that directly affect your sleep quality. Making sure to establish a regular bedtime, exercising regularly, not eating or consuming caffeine close to bedtime, and practicing relaxation techniques are all very important to a good night’s rest.