There are many reasons why a restful night of sleep is crucial for your health. Quality Sleep, a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, are the most important contributors to improving your overall health. Unfortunately, these days people are sleeping much less and getting less quality sleep. Here are a few reasons why good sleep is so important for your health.
Inadequate sleep is Linked to Increased Bodyweight
Studies have shown poor sleep is linked to weight gain. Those who do not get enough sleep tend to be more overweight than those who get adequate sleep. Many people may find this surprising but sleep deprivation is one of the highest risk factors for obesity. In a recent study, children and adults with short sleep duration were more likely to gain weight or develop obesity.
Those With Adequate Sleep Tend to Eat Less
Sleep deprivation in individuals has been linked to a bigger appetite and they tend to consume more calories. Getting a poor night’s sleep affects appetite hormones and will actually cause poor appetite regulation. Poor sleep is known to increase levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, and lowers leptin, the hormone that suppresses appetite. It has been proven that those who get adequate sleep actually eat less than those who don’t get enough sleep.
A Good Night’s Sleep Can Improve Productivity And Concentration
Sleep is very important for many types of brain function including concentration, productivity, cognition, and performance. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts all of these areas of brain function. A study involving medical interns shows significant data that supports this. In this study, interns working in an intensive care unit with shifts over 24 hours made 36% more errors than those on a schedule that allowed them to get more sleep.
In another study, they found shortened sleep can impair brain function similar to alcohol intoxication. On the other hand, getting enough sleep can improve memory performance and problem-solving skills in both adults and children.
Adequate Sleep Can Increase Athletic Performance
Sleep has been shown to improve athletic performance. In a study on basketball players, longer sleep was shown to drastically improve accuracy, speed, and reaction times. Shorter amounts of sleep have been associated with functional limitation and poor exercise performance. A study with over 2800 women found that poor sleep was associated with difficulty performing independent activities, slower walking, and decreased grip strength. Overall, longer sleep has been shown to improve athletic performance.
Poor Sleep is Linked to Greater Risk For Heart Disease And Stroke
The quality and duration of sleep can have a significant effect on many different health risk factors. These factors are believed to increase chronic diseases like heart disease. The link between heart disease and poor sleep is largely concerning for women. According to the C.D.C., heart disease kills nearly 300,000 women per year, making it the leading cause of death in the U.S. for women.
Lack of Sleep is Linked to Depression
Depression and other health issues are strongly linked to poor sleep and sleeping disorders. Almost 90% of people that are diagnosed with depression also complain about poor quality of sleep. Studies have also shown higher rates of depression in those with sleeping disorders such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea. An increased risk of death by suicide has also been linked to poor sleep.
Getting Quality Sleep Can Strengthen Your Immune System
Losing just a small amount of sleep can decrease your immune function. A recent study monitored the progression of the common cold after giving participants the cold virus via nasal drops. Findings included those who slept less than 7 hours per night were almost 3 times more likely to catch a cold than participants who slept 8 or more. Ensuring you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night can be very beneficial for those who tend to catch colds easily. Getting adequate sleep and a healthy diet will improve your immune system. Eating more garlic can also help fight the common cold.
Get Good Sleep, Rely on a Sleep Specialist For Help
Not only is good sleep important for your health but it is also important for relationships, the workplace, and your ability to take care of yourself and others. Sleep deprivation not only is frustrating but it can also lead to more serious problems. You’ll begin to notice changes in the way you feel when you make improvements to your sleep habits and overall health. Sleep affects all aspects of your life- so you’ll want to make sure you get the best sleep possible. You can’t attain optimal health without getting a good night’s rest so make sure you give Just Breathe a call at (208) 500-3030. Our sleep specialists can help you find a sleep solution that works for you. Better sleep.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535701/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15509817/