Benefits of Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Getting the proper amount of sleep each night is important for many reasons. Most people believe that healthy sleep makes you feel better in the morning and you’ll be less tired during the day. However, there are several other benefits to getting the right amount of sleep each night.
Longevity
Studies have shown that people who get at least six and a half hours of sleep each night live longer than those who only average five hours of sleep. While there is no singular reason for why those who sleep less are more likely to not live as long, it does include those who suffer from illnesses and other conditions that curb the amount of sleep time.
Improved Attention Span
While adults that do not get enough sleep tend to be groggy, kids tend to become hyperactive. Children who get enough sleep each night pay more attention in the classroom and their grades improve. So, getting enough sleep each night is paramount to improving academic performance.
Better Memory
Your mind remains quite active even in the deepest sleep. Part of this activity is helping you to retain more knowledge of what you have learned during the day. By getting enough sleep each night, you can improve the ability of your brain to retain more information. Try learning something new after you wake up and you’ll find that retaining the knowledge is easier than before you go to bed.
Lowers Inflammation
Inflammation is associated with several conditions from arthritis to heart disease to premature aging. Those who get less than six hours of sleep each night are prone to having higher levels of proteins in the body that causes inflammation to occur. Getting enough sleep reduces the number of inflammatory proteins in the body which in turn reduces the symptoms of various diseases and conditions.
Improved Athletic Performance
A recent study involved college football players who set aside at least 10 hours per night for a sleep over the course of two months. The result was that they experienced less fatigue and improved their sprinting time in the process. The same boost in results occurred with swimmers and tennis players showing that getting more sleep improved their overall athletic performance.
Lose Weight Faster
Your body burns a greater amount of fat if it gets enough rest each night. Plus, sleeping more means fewer hunger pangs when going on a diet. Your metabolism and sleep centers in the brain are in the same location. So, when you do not get enough sleep, it boosts the hormones in the blood that boost appetite. So, if you want to burn the fat faster, get more sleep.
Reduce Stress
One of the most important healthy benefits is the reduction of stress that your body will enjoy when getting the proper amount of sleep. This is because resting reduces the levels of stress in your body which in turn provides health benefits that include improving your immune system and reducing the chances of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
