According to the National Sleep Foundation, every adult should get at about 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. But, do we really get this much sleep? Most people rarely get this much sleep at night. And the biggest reason for the lack of sleep is the hectic schedule and unhealthy lifestyle. I’m also guilty of this bad habit of not getting enough sleep because of my lifestyle and day-to-day struggles. While we may ignore the negative effects of not getting enough sleep, it can take a toll on our overall health and quality of life.
Why Getting Enough Sleep is Important for You?
You must have noticed that you wake up feeling cranky and fatigued because you didn’t sleep well the night before. Lack of sleep can have a negative effect on your mental and physical health. It can mess up more than you might think. That is why health professionals insist on getting proper sleep every night. In fact, studies have shown that getting sleep can have various positive effects on your health. That is why many people use natural sleep aid supplements to get proper sleep at night. If you are not familiar with these benefits, this article is for you. So, here are the top health reasons why you should sleep enough every night.
Reason 1. It helps in improving your concentration and productivity
As I mentioned before, sleep is important for your physical and mental health. It affects the functioning of the brain, such as performance, cognition, productivity, and concentration. Studies have shown that if you have not slept well the night before, your concentration decreases, and it also takes a toll on your overall productivity throughout the day. Sleep makes you feel rested and more efficient. Hence, you make fewer mistakes and get more productive when you sleep well. Good sleep is also linked with maximizing problem-solving skills and enhancing memory.
Reason 2. Good sleep can help you control your weight
Studies show that poor sleep quality is linked with gaining more weight. People who sleep well for an adequate amount tend to weigh significantly less than those who do not get enough sleep. In fact, poor sleep can put you at a higher risk of obesity. There are various factors that mediate the effects of sleep on weight gain, including your hormones. Sleep deprivation can mess with the two main hormones that control appetite – leptin, and ghrelin. They tempt you to eat more unhealthy foods and reduce your motivation to get up and exercise. If you are finding it a bit difficult to fall asleep at night, you can try using natural herbs for sleep.
Reason 3. Good sleep enhances your athletic performance
One of the biggest benefits of getting proper sleep is that it can enhance your overall athletic performance. This is why professional athletes or sports personalities insist on getting proper sleep every night to stay on top of their games. A study on basketball players showed that longer sleep improved accuracy, mental well-being, speed, and reduced reaction times of the players. Lack of sleep can also take a toll on your motivation to get up and move your body.
Reason 4. Good sleep quality improves your heart health
Your quality of sleep and its duration can have major effects on your heart. Not getting enough sleep can take a toll on your heart’s health and may put you at risk of developing heart disease. Sleep deprivation can also increase your blood pressure, which can cause problems for your heart and may even put you at risk of stroke.
It’s high time that we understand the importance of sleep and make changes in our unhealthy lifestyle. We must follow a proper sleep schedule to stay healthy and productive.
