Sleep takes up a third of our life, and for good reason. Sleep brings us a myriad of benefits to our physical health, and mental wellbeing. Although a popular trend nowadays is to sacrifice sleep to work in the pursuit of success, I believe that you should not be sacrificing your sleep for anything at all, even if it may seem more important than your sleep in the short term. Let’s take a look at all the reasons why.
Heart and Circulatory System
During Sleep, your heart rate falls, and your circulatory system doesn’t have to work as hard as it does when you are awake. This allows for your heart to get ample rest, decreasing your chances of getting heart problems in the future.
Hormones
Estrogen, Testosterone and Progesterone are all released by the glands at night. Getting the right amount of sleep ensures your body has the essential hormones to function during the day.
Metabolism
Research has proven that low quality sleep increases the levels of hormones in your body that control hunger, which in turn increases your craving for sweet, salty food high in fat, and decreases your physical activity throughout the day.
Hence, not getting enough quality sleep may lead to obesity and diabetes.
Immune System
During sleep, your immune system works harder. Studies have shown that people who are sleep deprived are more likely to catch the common flu than those who get their quality sleep at night.
Furthermore, sleep deprivation leads to inflammation. For those who do not get enough sleep, the body’s self-regulating system which helps recede the abnormal levels of inflammation to a normal level during the night fails, allowing inflammation to persist. In addition, high levels of inflammation have been associated with depression.
Feeling inspired to get back the quality sleep that your body will be thanking you for 10-20 years down the road? Get in touch with us if you are struggling with sleep. We can’t wait to help you get back your precious sleep!