Sleep makes us feel good. Waking up from a good night sleep is probably the best way to start the day. Sleep is obviously beneficial for all of us. If you have not noticed, going on for a few days with lack of sleep will make one feel terrible, cranky and jumpy. Getting the right amount of sleep make us feel better because of many reasons. The benefits of sleep are enumerable; here are some of the direct benefits.
Sleep is vital for memory and learning. A process called memory consolidation occurs while we sleep. During sleep the body is resting but the brain still functions and begins to organize and store memories. Not getting the right amount of sleep disrupts this process and results to weak memory. It is important to get a good night’s sleep when learning something so that the information will be properly stored and retained.
Health and longevity is improved by sleep. Studies show that sleeping 7 to 9 hours per day reduces the risk of heart problems. Lack of sleep has also been associated with increase in cholesterol. Lack of sleep impacts the balance in the body’s hormones thereby increasing the want for food. Lack of sleep disrupts hormones and is linked with obesity. It has also been seen in studies that people who work late at night have higher risk of breast and colon cancer than those who get enough sleep at night. This is linked to lack of melatonin, a hormone that is thought to fight tumours.
Stress and depression are reduced sleep. Not getting enough sleep draws the body to a state of being stressed. The body becomes high strung and causes the production of stress hormones. This condition worsens as time goes by because stress hormones make it difficult for you to sleep. Learning to relax despite the pressure can help to reduce the release of stress hormones and easily regain sleeping patterns. Depression is brought by the lack of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a hormone that counteracts depression. When sleep is not attained at the right number of hour’s serotonin is not produced in sufficient amounts to counteract depression.
Sleep helps one to become more alert and aware of the surroundings. Sleeping sufficiently helps the body become active. It also energizes the body. Engaging in a lot of activities can help one to get a good night sleep.
Sleep is the time for our body to rest and make repairs. During this resting time, the body produces a lot of proteins that repair damage to tissues and cells.
These are just some of the benefits that are given by sleeping. Getting a good night’s rest has been known to strengthen immune function, improve metabolism, and enhance memory and learning as well as develop other vital functions. Avoid staying up late and waking up late. Get to bed early and receive the right amount of sleep your body requires.
