SLEEP CYCLES: VITAL FOR A HEALTHY BODY

Sleep is as vital as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet when it comes to health. Without enough restful nights’ your body cannot function at its best level [1]- even if you’re feeling great during the day!

The importance of sleep is often overlooked in today’s busy [2] world. When you don’t get enough rest, your body and mind suffer from both physical and mental consequences, which can lead to errors when making decisions or, even worse, accidents! The average person needs 6-7 hours every night for proper functioning, but if this isn’t possible, then at least make an effort so that we all have better concentration throughout our days rather than being constantly tired because frankly, who wants their life be controlled on an autopilot mode?

This blog helps you understand why so many people recommend getting seven hours of shut-eye every night for optimal wellbeing. The following are some benefits health researchers associate with getting a good night’s sleep.

Better productivity and concentration

Research has linked getting enough sleep to better concentration, productivity, and cognition. [3] Numerous studies claim that sleep deprivation can adversely affect attention and cognitive behaviour. The researchers, through these studies, concluded that sleep has direct nodes attached to brain functions. We teach the kids the importance of sleep patterns, as it can impact their behaviour and academic performances through our childhood.

Lower weight gain risk

The link between weight gain and obesity and short sleep patterns has been studied for better insights [4]. Some studies have linked poor sleep patterns and obesity [5].

Sleep is an essential modulator of neuroendocrine function and glucose metabolism. Sleep loss has been shown to result in metabolic and endocrine alterations, decreased glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, decreased leptin levels, and increased hunger and appetite. The studies confirm an association between sleep loss and an increased risk of obesity. So, if you have some weight loss goals, better monitor your sleep too.

Better calorie regulation

As stated in some studies above, sound sleep can assist a person in consuming fewer calories in the day. When a human being does not sleep sound enough, it can interfere with their body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly [6]. Thus, sleep must be considered one of the three healthy lifestyle behaviours, besides exercise and diet.

Boosted athletic performance

Getting sufficient sleep can give a person better athletic performance [7]. Adults having an adequate amount of sleep (7-9 hours/ night) can benefit in different ways. Sleep is as important to athletes as the calories and nutrients they gain from a balanced diet. One reason behind this requirement is that the body heals during sleep. Other benefits include better performance intensity, faster speed, better coordination, more energy, better mental functioning.

Lower risk of heart disease

One risk factor associated with heart disease is increased blood pressure. According to studies [8], maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a healthy sleep cycle allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate itself. This further reduces the chances of sleep-related conditions such as apnea and promote better overall heart health. Read here [9] some vital considerations for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

More social and emotional intelligence

Sleep has been linked to the human body’s social and emotional intelligence. A person without adequate sleep is more likely to have issues with recognizing other people’s emotions and expressions. Studies [10, 11] suggest that a person’s emotional empathy decreases if they do not get adequate sleep.

Preventing depression

Studies [12] claim a deep association between sleep, mental health, and depression. About ¾ of the depressed patients have insomnia symptoms, and hypersomnia is present in 40% of young depressed adults and 10% of older patients. These symptoms bring immense distress, significantly impact the quality of life, and pose a risk factor for suicide. Therefore, it is needful to have successful management of sleep disturbance to prevent depression and improve quality of life. Better sleep can also reduce depressive relapse and recurrence. [13]

Lower inflammation

There is a deep link [14] between getting adequate sleep and reducing inflammation in the body. Sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases can affect the human gastrointestinal tract and cause multiple problems. Sleep is linked to immunity [15] too, and anything that alters immunity is likely to cause health-related challenges. Sleep helps the body repair, regenerate, and recover. The immune system is no exception to this relationship.

Ending Note:

Humans spend about one-third of their lives asleep, yet most individuals know little about sleep. The function of sleep remains elucidated, as it is a universal need of all higher life forms, including humans. The absence of disturbance of sleep cycles can have severe physiological and psychological implications.

By making small lifestyle changes, you can manage your sleep cycle. You can choose to spend more time outside to witness improved sleep quality. Avoid sleeping when you have had enough sleep, go to bed around the same time, reducing stress through exercise, therapy, or other means. You can practice yoga and meditation for better benefits. Aromatherapy is another beautiful path to tread on the path of healthy and mindful sleep.

We need to understand that sleep is vital because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day. Read here some fantastic benefits of lucid dreaming and some tips to induce it.

Lastly, we would like to say that let wellness and balance be a habit, not just a hobby. Health can’t be earned overnight; after all, being healthy is a journey, to which good sleep can be the first step!

References and Sources:

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The Healing Oracle Team
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