Benefits of Better Sleep
On a daily basis we’re told about the latest drug or supplement that is supposed to vastly improve our quality of life— whether it’s more energy, better concentration, or helping us to become more physically fit. This all sounds great (until you read the fine print), but did you know that the perfect drug already exists and is available to everyone? It’s all-natural, has no side effects, and doesn’t cost you a dime.
Of course, we’re talking about sleep!
Most health advocates promote the importance of diet and exercise. But sleep seldom gets the attention it deserves as the third pillar of the total health and wellness trinity. The latest research shows that sleep is a “miracle drug.” The data suggest we should take sleep much more seriously when looking to improve physical and mental health.
Think about how you feel when you’re sleep deprived. If you’re reading this, you likely know how that feels all too well. Your body hurts, and your mind isn’t clear. You get headaches, feel easily agitated, and don’t operate at 100 percent. You can avoid those terrible feelings and their byproducts by getting more and better sleep. When you get better sleep, you can improve your memory and mood, reduce inflammation, lose weight more easily, and even repair the cells in your body.
Sleep Can Do What?
Mental Acuity
Getting enough sleep is one of the keys to success for top performers because the brain doesn’t shut down while we sleep. Sleep “charges the batteries,” so to speak, but it does much more than that. Sleep plays an integral role in learning and processing information. The brain also processes and consolidates memories during sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, it impairs your brain’s ability to retain information. This can have a severe impact on your personal and professional relationships.
Immune System & Energy
Lack of sleep causes stress on the body’s immune system, increasing the risk of developing an illness. Certain genes are responsible for restoring and rebuilding your body, but they are only turned on at night while sleeping. By getting adequate sleep, we can take better advantage of the natural processes that allow us to recover effectively. Without the right hours of deep sleep, you will constantly fight to live the healthy life you deserve.
Getting enough sleep is critical to maintaining a healthy weight. Hormones leptin and ghrelin are regulated during sleep. Without enough hours of rest, your body cannot keep healthy levels of either hormone. Leptin tells you when you have satisfied your hunger, and ghrelin tells you when you’re hungry. Without the two in homeostasis, people will typically overeat and gain weight. You don’t want that, do you? Then get your rest!
Sleep & Weight Gain
6 Reasons To Get More Quality Sleep
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Sleep improves your memory and retention skills, effectively making you smarter.
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Sleep can reduce chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of disease.
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Getting enough sleep ensures safety. Driving or operating machinery while tired are dangerous.
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Sleep is a critical factor in a successful weight loss program. It also gives you more energy to exercise.
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Sleep can improve your mood, which includes reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving health.
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Sleep helps our bodies repair and restore cells, improves heart health, and makes you feel better.
If You Feel Sleep-deprived, You Could Be Suffering from a Condition Known As Sleep Apnea
Not sure what the signs or symptoms are? Visit our “What is sleep apnea?” page for all the details.
Get More of the Miracle Drug - Sleep!
Better Sleep Leads to Better Libido in Men & Women
"High levels of cortisol may cause a reduction in gonadal steroids and adrenal androgens (sex hormones) which can impact sexual desire". Rise Science publication online, editorial team - Then, increased sleep (or correcting sleep apnea in this case) decreases cortisol levels
substantially, and increases libido levels. All research shows that sleep restores and rebalances the hormonal levels of our body. Estrogen and progesterone are inclusive here. Then, better quality and increased sleep increase libido's in both women and men.