Getting enough sleep is crucial for optimal health. Most people know this, but few people actually get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
In this article, we will discuss some of the things that happen to your body when you get enough sleep. We will also provide tips on how to get more quality sleep!
What Happens When You Get Enough Sleep?
It’s no secret that sleep is important. But what exactly happens when you get a good night’s sleep? Turns out, there are some pretty incredible benefits to be had.
#1 – Stronger immune system
When you’re well-rested, your body has time to rebuild and strengthen its defenses, making it better equipped to fight off infection and disease. Especially when you sleep, your body produces more cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. So, if you’re looking to avoid getting sick this winter, make sure you’re getting enough rest!
#2 – Lower risk of diabetes
Studies have shown that people who sleep less than six hours a night are at increased risk for developing diabetes. On the other hand, those who get seven to eight hours of sleep a night have a significantly lower risk. So, if you want to keep your blood sugar levels in check, make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye.
#3 – Improved mood
Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression. If you’re struggling with your mental health, getting enough sleep is crucial. In fact, one study found that people who slept eight hours a night were less likely to experience symptoms of depression than those who slept six hours or less.
#4 – Improved concentration and productivity
Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to focus and be productive. Conversely, getting enough sleep can improve your concentration and make you more productive. One study found that people who slept eight hours a night were more likely to report feeling “very good” or “excellent” about their level of productivity than those who slept six hours or less.
#5 – Lower cholesterol levels
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. One study found that people who slept six hours or fewer a night had higher levels of “bad” cholesterol than those who slept eight hours or more. Another study found that people with insomnia were more likely to have high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
#6 – Less stress
Stress can have a negative impact on your health. It can contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. One study found that people who slept less than six hours a night were more likely to report feeling stressed than those who slept eight hours or more. Another study found that people with insomnia had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
#7 – Reduced inflammation
Inflammation is a response by your body’s immune system to infection or injury. Your body is constantly fighting inflammation. This process helps protect you from infection and promotes healing. It can contribute to conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. According to a study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, less than eight hours of sleep each night was linked with higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for inflammation.
#8 – Improved memory
Missing out on just a few hours of shut-eye each night can make it difficult to concentrate and focus during the day. Worse still, it can also impact your ability to learn and remember new information. Researchers have found that people who get adequate sleep perform better on cognitive tasks than those who don’t. This is because sleep plays an important role in memory consolidation – the process of transferring short-term memories into long-term ones. To ensure optimal Brain function, aim to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep every night.
#9 – Better workout performance
If you’re struggling to make it through your next workout, it might be time to reassess your sleep habits. A lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, decreased motivation, and a decrease in strength and endurance. In fact, research has shown that just one night of poor sleep can negatively impact athletic performance. So, if you’re looking to up your game, make sure you’re getting enough Z’s.
#10 – Increased creativity
Need some help thinking outside the box? A good night’s sleep just might do the trick. One study found that people who were well-rested were better able to come up with creative solutions to problems than those who were sleep deprived. So, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to hit the hay – you might just wake up with a eureka moment.
#11 – Lower risk of heart disease
If you’re looking for another reason to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, consider your heart health. Research has shown that people who don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. So, do yourself a favor and get those seven to eight hours per night.
#12 – Lower risk of depression
Depression and anxiety are often linked to sleep problems, so it’s no surprise that getting enough sleep can help reduce your risk of developing depression. In fact, one study found that people who slept seven to eight hours per night were less likely to experience symptoms of depression than those who slept fewer hours.
#13 – Reduced risk of drowsy driving
Drowsy driving is a major safety issue, and it’s one that can be easily prevented by getting enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving is responsible for more than 100,000 car accidents each year. And while you may think you can tough it out and power through your fatigue, research has shown that being sleep-deprived can have the same effect on your body as being drunk.
#14 – Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Getting enough sleep can help lower your blood pressure, and in turn, reduce your risk of these serious health conditions.
#15 – Reduced food cravings
If you’re trying to lose weight or eat healthier, getting enough sleep can help. Studies have shown that people who are sleep-deprived tend to eat more calories than those who are well-rested. This is because being tired can increase your cravings for unhealthy foods.
How to Get More Quality Sleep?
There are a few things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep:
- Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
- Exercise regularly, but not right before bedtime.
- Avoid working or using electronic devices in bed.
- Wind down before bed with a relaxation activity such as reading or taking a bath.
Conclusion
A good night’s sleep is crucial to your health and wellbeing. It not only helps you feel refreshed and alert the next day, but it also has a number of other benefits for your body. So make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye every night – it’s worth it! How many hours of sleep do you get each night on average?
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