Why is sleep so important or is it at all?

“Try counting sheep” – That’s how my conversations have started to begin, lately. But every time I go to bed, I can only count reasons for staying online.

This is pretty much the scenario of every household, the story of every teenager and people who are being too harsh on themselves. When I woke up this morning, I felt a jolt of activeness and alertness in my mind and body. If you haven’t taken a hint yet, I had a pretty good sleep last night.

The day was regular but I felt more productive. I wasn’t tired and I didn’t binge eat. But maybe, it was all in my head. I felt that too until I decided to do proper research and started writing this article.

Here are some amazing health benefits of having a proper sleep –

1. Improved concentration and productivity-

What is more promising than waking up the next morning with a relaxed brain function. Good sleep is a boon that enhances memory and cognition and every aspect of your rationale. 

2. Live Long Life- 

A study conducted in 2010 found that women between ages 50 to 79 face more deaths who get less than five hours or more than six and a half hours of sleep per night.

Source: health.com

Isn’t that reason enough to have a proper sleep?

3. Lose some calories-

Sleep depravity is the number 1 reason for increased appetite. I guess you know I am not talking about healthy appetite. Disruptive sleeping patterns can lead to binge eating thus, helping you gain some extra pounds. And a little more extra if you are a big foody!

4. Reduce the risk of depression-

Adding sufficient ZZZZ’s may lower the risk of depression. Your body possesses a strong chemical called serotonin. Your sleeping patterns may directly affect your serotonin levels and people with serotonin deficiencies are more likely to suffer from depression.

5. Alertness Spotted-

A good night’s sleep makes you feel energized and alert the very next day. This means how you react to the things in your wakefulness is totally dependent on the amount of sleep you are getting.

6. Say Hi to good mood vibes-

Being grumpy all day long isn’t entertaining and it isn’t helping you in any way. And you would know what is wrong because you had a very long night! Staying up at night is harmful to health and it also messes up your mood.┬á

We have always heard our parents justify everything in the context of what we eat and how well we sleep. This has started to make sense now. Keep good food, good sleep and a good exercise in check for a healthy lifestyle. Your Health Matters. 

References-
Healthline.com
verywellhealth.com