The Tea
What if we told you there was a revolutionary treatment that can increase your life span, benefit your mental health, enhance your memory, and keep you physically fitter? If all that wasn’t enough, it also helps to prevent illnesses like cancer and dementia, heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. It’s not anything new, complicated, or expensive … it’s simply a full night’s sleep.
Since your childhood, you’ve probably heard your parents/guardians say things like “go to bed early” or “rest up, you have a big day tomorrow.”
This was because they knew about certain benefits of sleep that are often forgotten about in this era. Being a night owl has become somewhat of a badge of honor, despite the fact that neglecting sleep can destroy your mental and physical health.
The Brew
We all know the significance of sleep, but some of us forget just how much it helps the body and mind. In case you need a refresher, we’ll be sharing the least known and most important benefits of sleep below!
“Tired minds don’t do well. Sleep first, plan later”
Walter Reisch
Sleep Boosts Our Mental Health
No matter how tempting it is to stay up and watch another episode of your favorite TV show, going to bed is actually the healthier and more relaxing choice in the long run. Sleep contributes to the mind’s rejuvenation by helping reduce signs of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Sleep Enhances Our Memory & Cognitive Functions
There are a lot of functions in your brain that depend upon the sleep cycle. According to studies, it is crucial for our brain to stop working in order to connect and save our memories. The best way to do this is to sleep! Dozing off enhances your memorization power, which helps you learn, work, and simply function more effectively.
Sleep Reduces Weight Gain
Anyone that has pulled an all-nighter will know that it can impact your appetite. Staying up late creates a chemical imbalance in your mind. This means that the signals that normally tell your brain you are full don’t work, which triggers late-night cravings, binge eating, and potentially unwanted weight gain.
A study at the University of Chicago showed that those who slept well shed more weight and built more muscle. Those who had less sleep lost greater muscle mass, and felt hungrier while losing weight. If you’re struggling to lose weight and don’t know why, a more structured sleep schedule just might be the answer.
Sleep Improves Our Overall Health
A lot of beneficial hormones are released during the sleep cycle, which help us maintain our overall health. “Sleep services all aspects of our body in one way or another: molecular, energy balance, as well as intellectual function, alertness and mood,” says Dr. Merrill Mitler, a sleep expert and neuroscientist at NIH.
On the other hand, a lack of sleep can lead to many health issues, including memory issues, lack of concentration, mood imbalance, a weakened immune system, and high blood pressure. Consistent sleep deprivation only worsens these symptoms, so make sure you’re prioritizing your sleep!
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
Most individuals require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, while some may require as little as 6 hours or as many as 10 hours. Listen to your body and try to figure out your ideal quantity. We’ve all felt the exhausted state that a lack of sleep brings, but oversleeping can also make you feel lethargic and drowsy. You should wake up feeling refreshed and content after a good night’s sleep.
The Pour
Remember, needing sleep is not a sign of weakness or laziness. It’s a natural human need that allows us to thrive! As difficult as it may be, shifting your priorities to sleep more will greatly improve your health in the long run.
0 Comments for “The Least Known & Most Important Benefits Of Sleep: A Psychologist’s Playbook”