Health Benefits of Sleep

A good night’s sleep has many health benefits for the mind and body. Sleep is very important for a healthy lifestyle. It not only improves people’s moods, but can have a large impact on health as well. Many people aren’t aware of the importance of sleep. Increased memory and attention span are positive effects of sleep. According to an article on Health Line, sleep deprivation can cause concentration, creativity, and problem solving skills to be weakened. That is why it is important to have a good night’s rest before a big day at work, school, or other stressful activities. Sleep deficiency makes you more vulnerable to anxiety and stress. It allows your body to recharge and restore itself.

Those who are well rested tend to be able to have a higher rate of weight loss compared to those who are sleep deprived. People who lose weight while sleep deprived still can lose weight, but they lose muscle mass instead of fat. Dr. Rapoport, an associate professor at NYU Langone Medical Center, believes that the same sections of the brain control sleep and metabolism. According to Dr. Rapoport, a lack of sleep increases the amount of the ghrelin hormone, which boosts appetite. This is why dieters feel more hungry when they get less sleep. Also, a lack of sleep can reduce your ability to fight off cravings of junk food. So, if you want to find or stay at a healthy weight, make sure you get enough sleep.

Sleep is also linked to inflammation. Inflammation is connected to heart disease, diabetes, premature aging, arthritis, and stroke. It was found in a study, from 2010, that people who get 6 hours or less sleep a night have higher blood levels of inflammatory proteins compared to those who sleep more. Although this is true, it is important to remember that some people require more sleep than others. According to Dr. Rapoport, people who have been treated for their sleep apnea or insomnia can have improved blood pressure and inflammation after the treatment. Also, sleep can strengthen your immune system. Rest allows the immune system to stay in top shape. This makes them less susceptible to colds, flus, and other infections.

A good night’s sleep allows people to feel more optimistic and energized. Sleep increases your mood, which can reduce stress and frustration with daily occurrences. Since sleep has many effects on health and mood, it is important to maintain a good sleep cycle. Overall, sleep is extremely beneficial to your mind and body. The right amount of sleep can do wonders for your health, so it is important to recognize how sleep can impact you.