The amazing relationship between sleep and your overall health
How do you keep healthy? Do you exercise? Do you eat a healthy diet? Do make sure you drink a lot of water?
What about getting plenty of high-quality sleep?
A good night of sleep is an essential part of our daily routine and plays an important role in our overall health and well-being. It's a time when our bodies can rest, recover and rejuvenate. Without adequate sleep, our bodies and minds can suffer in a number of ways.
Physical Wellbeing
Sleep has a significant impact on our physical health. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. This is because when we're sleep deprived, our bodies produce more stress hormones, which can cause inflammation in the body and increase our risk of developing chronic health problems.
- Immune system: Lack of sleep can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flu. Studies have shown that people who sleep less than seven hours a night are more likely to get sick. 1
Heart Health: Sleep plays a critical role in heart health and chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increase in high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and stroke. 2
Mental Wellbeing
One of the main effects of poor sleep is that it can take a real toll on our mental health. When we don't get enough shut-eye, we can feel irritable, and stressed, and if we are sleep-deprived long enough depressed.
- Mood: A lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability and a decreased ability to manage stress Studies show people who get enough sleep are more likely to be in a positive mood.
- Cognitive function: Sleep is essential for cognitive function which includes things such as memory, and attention. A lack of sleep can impair our ability to perform tasks, make decisions and be creative.3
- Mental Health Disorders: Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.4
Weight Gain
Another important factor to consider is that sleep plays a key role in maintaining a healthy weight. When we don't get enough sleep, our bodies produce more of the hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates our appetite and makes us feel hungrier. At the same time, our bodies produce less of the hormone leptin, which signals to our brains that we're full. This hormonal imbalance can lead to overeating and weight gain.5
It's clear that sleep is essential for our health and well-being. So, if you're feeling a bit exhausted lately, it might be time to take a closer look at your sleep zone. Whether that be looking at improving the quality of the bedding you use or using items like mattress protectors if you have never used them before and making changes to your sleep habits to ensure you're getting the rest you need. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
