This week I thought we could turn our attention to sleep -something that is very underrated, when in fact, sleep is being defined at the new superpower and if you don’t get enough of it- it can have very damaging effects all aspects of your health-poor sleep has even been linked to Parkinson’s disease so it is really worth learning more about…
Here are 10 reasons why good sleep is important.
Article written by Joe Leech MS on Healthline.
1. Poor sleep is linked to high body weight
Short sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of weight gain and obesity in both children and adults.
2. Good sleepers tend to eat fewer calories
Poor sleep affects hormones that regulate appetite. Those who get adequate sleep tend to eat fewer calories than those who don’t.
3. Good sleep can improve concentration and productivity.
Good sleep can maximize problem-solving skills and enhance memory. Poor sleep has been shown to impair brain function.
4. Good sleep can maximise athletic performance.
Longer sleep has been shown to improve many aspects of athletic and physical performance.
5. Poor sleepers have a greater risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sleeping less than 7–8 hours per night is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
6. Sleep affects glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes risk
Sleep deprivation can cause prediabetes in healthy adults in as little as 6 days. Many studies show a strong link between short sleep duration and type 2 diabetes.
7. Poor sleep is linked to depression
Poor sleeping patterns are strongly linked to depression, particularly for those with a sleeping disorder.
8. Sleep improves your immune function
Getting at least 8 hours of sleep can improve your immune function and help fight the common cold.
9. Poor sleep is linked to increased inflammation
Sleep affects your body’s inflammatory responses. Poor sleep is linked to inflammatory bowel diseases and can increase your risk of disease recurrence.
10. Sleep affects emotions and social interactions.
Sleep loss reduces your ability to interact socially. Several studies confirmed this using emotional facial recognition tests. One study found that people who hadn’t slept had a reduced ability to recognise expressions of anger and happiness. Researchers believe that poor sleep affects your ability to recognise important social cues and process emotional information.
So I hope that you find this weeks article of interest. I’d like to know more about how your sleep effects you? Do you get enough, how easy can you fall asleep?, do you have any tips on getting a good nights sleep?