Think you’re doing fine on six hours sleep, or that being a little snooze deficient during the week can be supplemented by a sleep-in at the weekend? Well, think again, because a regular good night’s rest is imperative not only to your mental wellbeing, but to your physical health as well. These are just five of the health benefits associated with sleeping well.
Studies indicate that the average adult requires between 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, with children and teens needing even more. A good night’s sleep involves a series of phases including REM and non REM sleep, as well as light, middle and deep sleep, the latter of which allows the body to rest and replenish. If you regularly fail to get at least 7 hours of sleep, your body won’t have enough time to repair, leaving you prone to coughs and colds.
Adequate sleep is one of the best deterrents for serious long-term illnesses. In fact, it’s well documented that people with sleep disorders like sleep apnoea are more prone to heart disease, stroke, and even workplace and diving accidents.
In addition to benefiting your physical health, a good night’s rest can also have a positive impact your long-term mental well-being. Insufficient rest and insomnia are directly linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Research also indicates that getting a solid night’s sleep helps your memory.
Sleep deficiency can be responsible for weight gain, and ironically obesity often leads to sleep issues. It all comes down to the chemicals released into your body during a good night’s sleep, which help to curb your appetite, making it easier to reach for more nutritional foods.
A solid night’s rest that involves deep sleep not only allows your organs and immune system to replenish and repair, it also combats ageing. As the biggest organ in your body, the quality of your skill will diminish if it is not provided with adequate opportunities to rejuvenate, leading to premature ageing.
If winding down from a big day proves to be a challenge, look to your bedtime routine. The best rest occurs in an environment free of distractions, such as unnatural light from televisions, or the use of computers immediately before bedtime. It is also important to make your surroundings as comfortable as possible. This can be achieved by investing in a suitable mattress and a supportive bed. If your bedroom is preventing you from getting enough sleep, stores like Sleepy’s have a host of great bed and mattress options.
In this day and age, society encourages us to be being constantly switched on, logged in and revved up, allowing sleep to slide down our list of priorities. But by taking the time to ensure you get enough shuteye, you will ward off illness and prepare your mind and body for the mental onslaught of the modern world.