One healthy behavior most people fail to achieve is get adequate, consistent sleep. In fact, many people often think it’s almost noble to work too hard and burn the candle at both ends. The candles doesn’t last nearly as long that way and neither do people! Inadequate sleep is actually a health risk. The amount of sleep necessary varies from individual to individual, but it’s between 7 and 9 hour for adults with a rare few requiring only 6 hours sleep or at the other end of the spectrum, 10 hours.
Lack of sleep can destroy your weight loss efforts.
When you sleep, your brain is still working and carrying on many processes, which include balancing hormones. At least, that’s why scientists believe that people who sleep less have an imbalance of hunger and satiation hormones ghrelin and leptin. Studies show that people who sleep less tend to be overweight and that could be one of the reasons. It also might be from the urge to consume high sugar products for energy, which can start the roller coaster of blood sugar spikes.
You’re brain is working while you’re sleeping.
If you feel foggy headed after skipping sleep, there’s a reason. While you sleep your brain is busy organizing thoughts and all the input of the day. Your brain is creating links so you can remember everything better, tying feelings, memories and even sensory input together to help you do that. Sleep also helps you process the events of the day.
It’s not all mental when it comes to sleep.
Getting adequate sleep is definitely important for mental functioning, but you’ll be more than just sleepy if you skip too many nights of sleep. Think of how hard it is to make it through the day when you’re ready to drop from exhaustion. That’s super stressful and with that stress comes stress hormones, such as cortisol. Those hormones are linked with inflammation that is the cause of many serious conditions, which include heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.
- You’ll look better with adequate sleep. Not only will you look less haggard and more energetic and youthful, the inflammation that lack of sleep can cause also damages cells, leading to premature aging.
- Napping during the day can help reduce sleep deficit. Some people that require more sleep than average do this. Albert Einstein slept ten hours a night but also napped during the day. You may be no Einstein, but you can nap like him.
- For the best sleep, keep the room dark and turn off any electronic devices. Falling asleep in front of the television does give you the hours of sleep you need, but not the quality.
- While lack of sleep can hurt your health, too much sleep can be just as damaging. If you’re getting more than the average hours of sleep and still feel tired, first check with your physician. If there’s no sign of illness or depression, set your clock to get up earlier and you might find you feel better or you just might be another Einstein and require a mid day nap.