Sleep is important and we know this. It’s something we have been told for most of our lives by parents, grandparents and probably even doctors.
The world record for the longest time without sleep is 264 consecutive hours, which is 11 days if you’re bad at math! However, I don’t recommend trying this, it can be very detrimental to your health and here’s why.
Sleep is vital to our functioning during the day and if you’ve ever had a restless sleep, tossing and turning all night, you know the awful feeling the next morning.
Especially in today’s world, our days tend to be overly busy, stressful and stimulating, making a restful night sleep even more important than ever.
If you’ve ever wondered how much sleep you actually need, I’ve got you covered! While this can vary, WebMD suggests that most adults require between 7 to 9 hours a night and some need even up to 10 hours.
The amount of sleep a person needs can go up if they missed previous days of sleep. This can lead to a “sleep debt”, and your body will eventually demand that you repay the debt.
If you’re reading this and have a sudden realization that you’re one of many not getting enough sleep, I’m here to convince you to make it a priority! Here are some reasons it is absolutely vital to prioritize sleep.
1. For A Strong Immune System
Getting enough sleep can support a healthy immune system. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies reveal that those who don’t get enough sleep are even more likely to get sick and lack of sleep can affect recovery time after being sick. You’ve probably been told this by your mother for years, but get enough sleep so you don’t get sick!
2. For Your Emotional Health
According to the American Sleep Association, not getting enough sleep can alter some regions in the brain, this can make controlling emotions more difficult and even lead to an increased risk of depression. Getting enough sleep will support your emotional health and keep you feeling great throughout the day!
3. For A Healthy Body
A review by the National Institute of Health suggests that those who do not get enough sleep are at a much higher risk of heart disease or stroke when compared to those who sleep 7-8 hours per night.
Getting enough sleep can fight against harmful diseases and health conditions, if you weren’t already convinced of its importance.
According to sleep deprivation studies, lack of sleep can be associated with increased stress, blood pressure and inflammation. It can even impair control of blood glucose levels which can be dangerous for diseases like diabetes.
4. For Weight Control
Believe it or not, poor sleep is strongly linked to weight gain, Healthline says that children and adults who get a poor amount of sleep were 89% and 55% more likely to develop obesity respectively.
According to the Sleep Foundation, existing research shows a positive correlation between sufficient sleep and healthy body weight.
Studies show that lack of sleep and poor sleep quality can lead to weight gain, metabolic disorders and even other chronic conditions. To make all of the physical work you put in during the day worth it, nurture your body through a restful night sleep.
5. For Concentration and Productivity
A study on medical interns shows that, interns who work on a tradition schedule made 36% more serious medical errors than interns on a schedule that allows for more sleep time. They were not getting enough hours in and their productivity was hindered. To perform our best at work, in our social lives and in personal matters, we must get enough sleep.
~~~~~~~~
Take some time at the end of your day for you. Formulate a nighttime routine to relax, unwind and get you ready for sleep.
It is crucial to let your body know it’s time for bed, because this will make falling and staying asleep even easier. Realize the importance of getting enough sleep and get those hours in!
Reflect & Refresh 