We all know how a good night’s sleep makes us feel energetic, inducing a typically refreshed feeling. However, there is a lot more to a good sleep
beyond these very palpable advantages. Unless you are someone who
sleeps throughout the day, it is recommended that you try to catch a few
hours of extra sleep whenever possible. The following will help you
understand why sleeping more is so beneficial for you:
1. Helps to Regulate Weight
Sleep deprivation is major reason of weight gain across people of all ages. Lack of sleep
impairs our metabolic functions. It reduces the rate at which we burn
calories. It also makes us feel hungrier. This creates a mechanism where
our body is more likely to store carbohydrates and fats. Lack of sleep
is known to induce hunger pangs. People who feel un-rested are more
likely to feel irritated. They often seek solace in beverages with
high-sugar content. The sugar spike makes them feel better for a short
while and they often become addicted to this pattern.
Insufficient sleep
also affects the hormonal functions. It triggers the release of
cortisol—this is our basic stress hormone. When stress hormone levels
are raised, we tend to suffer from hunger pangs and levels of Leptin
hormone tend to decline. This is a natural appetite suppressant. Without
sufficient Leptin, the level of Ghrelin hormone rises. This hormone has
an appetite-stimulating effect. People suffering from a combination of
these factors are prone to snacking throughout the day, drinking more
caffeine or tea and binging upon sugary foods. Thus, their propensity to
gain weight is a lot more.
2. Raises Your Mental Performance
Our mind needs to process information it has received in the form of
visual, auditory and other stimuli. This is done during sleep. This is
when the brain recuperates. This ensures that we are able to remember,
recall and understand things. Even dreaming patterns are related to the
thoughts buried in our sub-conscious. Thus, getting sufficient sleep
is vital for our mind to function properly. It is widely acknowledged
that people are at their creative best when they have a good sleep.
Proper sleep ensures that we are more insightful and can understand
things a lot faster.
3. Ensures Better Cardiovascular Health
Apart from the bulging waistline caused by lack of sleep, people suffering from sleep deprivation
are known to suffer from hypertension—an established cause of
cardiovascular diseases. Greater concentration of stress hormones are
the underlying cause of many cardio problems. This includes arrhythmias
or irregular heartbeat patterns. Sleep apnea or lack of sufficient
oxygen during sleep has been linked with Type 2 Diabetes which is a
major cause for heart diseases.
4. Raises Immunity
Quality of sleep and our overall immunity are directly related. This
includes our ability to fight-off common infections like flu or common
cold. Poor sleeping patterns
tend to lower the synthesis of antibodies. Medical research has linked
this with the increased risk of developing colon and breast cancer.
5. Improves Our Overall Quality of Life
Healthy sleeping patterns
ensure that we are less prone to getting anxious or stressed. It helps
us take upon day-to-day activities with more vigor. These are direct
contributors towards feeling good throughout the day. With a calmer
mind, more physical energy, mental clarity and less chances of falling
ill, we feel much better. This helps to raise the libido levels too and
impairs the progression of aging-related health issues. (Health, MensXP.com)
