The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

We have all heard that getting a good sleep is essential for the proper wellbeing of the mind and body, but what about sleep has made it so important that it is emphasized so much. There are many benefits that are associated with getting good sleep and some to list are,

Improves productivity and concentration

There were many studies performed to check how sleep deprivation affects concentration, productivity and concentration and what was found was that it negatively affected these areas. In another study it was revealed that getting less sleep would affect the brain like that of alcohol intoxication. With good sleep one’s memory and concentration increase, leading to increased productivity. 

Linked to weight gain

Many studies found that those who got less sleep tend to gain weight than those who had good and adequate sleep. Poor sleep is one of the biggest risk factors for obesity. This can be explained by changes in hormone and decreased willingness to exercise due to loss of sleep.

Tend to eat fewer calories

Those who are sleep deprived tend to have a bigger appetite and eat more calories when compared to those who get good sleep. There is a disruption in hormone due to sleep deprivation. 

There are two hormones that regulate appetite, ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin stimulates appetite and leptin reduces appetite. When a person is sleep deprived the ghrelin hormone increases and leptin hormone decreases.

Increases athletic performance

With good sleep athletic performance increases.  In a study on basketball players, it was found that those with good sleep have improved speed, accuracy and reaction time.

Increased heart risk and diabetes

Those with less sleep were found to be at more risk for heart diseases and even their blood sugar gets affected. It can also reduce insulin sensitivity. 

How to get a good sleep?

Reduce daytime sleeping

One of the main reasons why you may not be able to sleep in the night is because you have slept during the day. To improve your sleep in the night don’t sleep during the daytime. Even if you want to sleep, don’t sleep for more than half an hour to one hour. 

Good sleeping environment

When you go to bed make sure you have your lights switched off, even a warm bath helps. Bad mattress can result in poor sleep quality. If your mattress is not comfortable to sleep, bring a new mattress. If you are going to bring new mattresses in a box Australia has good options.

Don’t take caffeine in the night

No matter how much you love caffeine do not take it in the night. Caffeine is a known stimulant and it would keep you awake.

Do not use phone

The blue light can be very bad for your sleep. Exposing your eyes to this light can trick your brain into thinking its day time and reduce melatonin (sleep hormone).

Create a sleep schedule

Make a sleep schedule and make sure you stick to it.