Why is it important to get some sleep?
Sleep is considered an essential function, one that allows your body and mind to reset, charge, and alert when you wake up.
By: Ronni Shino
With enough sleep, your body can maintain its health and protect you from diseases. Many of us, however, are losing out on sleep, this wreaks havoc on our brain interfering with its functionality. Our abilities to concentrate are reduced, we may not be able to think clearly or even process memories. 7 to 9 hours is a common recommendation. Teenagers or younger require much more sleep. We encourage you to develop a positive lifestyle, habits and consume nutrient dense foods.
Importance of sleep.
Many people disregard sleep. Often, people disregard seeking help even when they know they have potential sleep disruption causes such as sleep apnea. Sleep is responsible for your level of energy, focus, recovery, and may even determine how long you live.
In order for your body and mind to efficiently operate there must be sufficient sleep, the risk of death should be enough to create more urgency.
For those of us who get enough of it, we’re in the clear. There is a staggering 65+ MILLION people in the USA alone who suffer from insomnia, sleep has become a luxury for this massive group, while others may take it for granted or even abuse the amount of time they get sleeping in.
Sleep and your brain.
Feeling tired lately, this is most likely a sign you are getting less sleep than required. You may also become forgetful, possibly irritable, and not able to function at your best.
Long term implications include poor performance at work/duties, mood swings, even depression. Missing out on sleep has shown to be four times more likely to have a lack of concentration, relationship problems and three times more likely to be depressed with chances of two times more likely to commit suicide. The takeaway, your brain function relies on how much sleep you get! Without enough, your brain literally cannot regenerate properly, and as time goes on you will lose your best self in the process.
Sleep and your heart.
Studies have shown that those who get less than 6 hours of sleep on a continuous basis account for 48% higher chances of dying from heart disease and 15% high chances of developing a stroke. If you tend to stay up late and wake up early, your health is at immediate risk and could at any moment turn fatal. Grandparents, elders, well if you are over 65, then you are 83% more likely to have high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and lack of sleep to this only compounds the problem.
Sleep and your weight.
We all have been concerned with our weight at one point or another, more people are concerned about their weight over how much sleep they get. There is some good and some bad, if you’re not getting enough sleep then your chances of obesity go up.
For those who don’t understand how sleep can help benefit your weight and continue to miss out on sleep then you’re only adding to your weight concerns.
Why the weight gain? Well, the longer you are awake, your body continues to work and will demand for energy/food. If you’ve ever stayed up late, you know hunger kicks in.
Sleep and life span.
Your life span vs sleep. Studies have shown that those of us who sleep 7-9 hours live longer than those who sleep less or even more. There is a balance that must be kept, and the body will often tell you if you listen to it. You are 12% more likely to die over a 25 year span if you are missing out on sleep or if you are snoozing too much.
Sleep and immune function.
The immune system is and always will be one of the most incredible systems of your body. A study found that when you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system becomes weaker, however most of us know this without any study.
For those who work nights, poor sleep habits are more common. The chances for you getting sick go up and you become more vulnerable.
Sleep can literally save your life and many others around the world. You’re also responsible for others as studies have shown that there is an estimated 6000 fatal crashes a year from drivers falling asleep behind the wheel, don’t let this happen to you.
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