10 Health Benefits of Sleep Adequately

Sleep, we all love it, especially when we wake up after a great night’s sleep. We are now beginning to understand the importance of sleeping to overall health and well-being. In fact, when people get less than 6 to 7 hours of sleep each night, they are at a greater risk of developing diseases. All the more reason to get some sleep, right? Here are 10 reasons why you should call it an early night.

1. Keep your figure

Watching your weight can be as simple as getting a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep can make you put on weight by drastically slowing your metabolism down. It is suggested that getting plenty of sleep might prevent weight gain.

2. You can concentrate better

We have all woken up after a good night’s sleep ready to take on the world. A bad night’s sleep can leave you struggling all day. More than half of us will have problems concentrating after sleeping badly.

3. You’ll be in a great mood

Lack of sleep and the ensuing tiredness is likely impacting on people’s judgment, problem-solving and creativity.

4. You’ll look more attractive

When you sleep adequately, your body rejuvenates and you look fresh and attractive.

5. Ability to make better informed decisions

We’ve all heard of sleeping on a problem, in the hope that come morning the solution will be clear. Well scientists have found that when you do this your brain still looks for a solution, even when you’re asleep. Even if you don’t wake up with an answer, a good night’s sleep will equip your brain to assess the problem afresh.

6. You’ll live longer

Regularly sleeping less than you should is associated with a shorter lifespan, although it is not clear whether little sleep is the cause, or an effect of other illnesses. Studies have found people who routinely sleep for fewer than six hours a night have a higher risk of dying sooner than people of a similar age who sleep for seven or eight hours a night.

7. You’ll be a winner

Getting extra sleep can even improve athletic performance. Sleeping adequately makes your body feel fresh and energetic. You are much more active and energized to do the task you need to do for the day.

8. You’re less likely to get ill

Lack of sleep can suppress your immune system, which makes you more vulnerable to infections.

9. You’ll remember things clearly

During deep sleep the brain goes through our impressions of the day in a process vital to memory formation. A study published in the journal Sleep found people who slept fewer than six hours a night for two weeks scored far worse on memory tests than those who slept eight hours.

10. You’ll have better sex

The better rested you are, the better sex you’ll have, according to researchers.