10 Ways Better Sleep Leads to a Better Life

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Proper sleep quality is more important than many realize. If you don't get proper rest each night, you can have difficulty in many different ways. It can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. To give you an idea of just how much getting a good rest is, here are 10 ways better sleep leads to a better life.

1. Weight Maintenance

It's been shown that people who have a pattern of not sleeping well tend to weigh more than those who do. Sleep habits can be an indicator of obesity. Interrupted and shortened sleep periods can affect hormones that control appetite, increasing the potential for overeating. In addition, if you're not sleeping well, you're probably less motivated to exercise.

2. Decreased Stress

Poor sleep can also affect your mental health in negative ways. Those who have sleep disorders and concerns may suffer from depression or anxiety. Your body can suffer an elevated level of stress hormones due to lack of sleep. Getting adequate rest is a strong defense in the battle against stress.

3. Better Immune Function

Protein molecules that help to fight off infections, known as cytokines, are produced when your body is sleeping. Also, fewer infection-fighting antibodies are released into your system if you're not sleeping well. Good sleep hygiene is crucial to overall health and wellness. It can even lessen your chances of getting sick. It seems there is truth to the belief that you need to get extra rest when you're not feeling well.

4. Better Athletic Performance

If you're an athlete or physical competitor of any kind, a restful night's sleep is crucial to your performance. This is especially true if you require endurance and stamina in your particular activity. It can be hard to push through your run or swim if you're lacking the energy. Your body needs sufficient sleep periods for muscle repair as well. Interrupted sleep doesn't allow for this process. Slower reaction times and lowered motivation can also be consequences of not getting enough rest.

5. Improved Concentration

Getting good sleep is so important. Poor or not enough sleep can harm your brain function. You won't perform your best after a night of fitful sleep. If you struggle with getting adequate rest regularly, the results will only compound. It's worth looking into getting the most comfortable bed possible. A comfortable mattress or the best adjustable bed base can be a good investment if you've noticed your concentration has suffered and you're hoping to be more productive. Getting a proper night's slumber can do wonders for your performance and alertness.

6. Regulated Blood Sugar

Blood glucose levels drop during the deepest part of your sleep cycle. Interrupted sleep doesn't allow for this to occur, leaving you with elevated blood sugar. Proper sleep can lessen your chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

7. Brighter Mood

Your brain requires the downtime of sleep to adequately process your emotions. When you don't get enough sleep, you're more apt to feel agitated. It can be difficult to manage your bad mood, leading you to be grumpy and to perform poorly in social interactions.

8. Improved Memory

Your brain is working behind the scenes during long periods of rest. Another function that occurs when you're sleeping is the organizing and storing of memories. Getting adequate sleep improves your ability to retrieve and process information.

9. Lower Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure goes down during sleep. This allows your heart and blood vessels time to rest as well. Without this opportunity, pressure remains elevated for longer, which can have detrimental effects on your health. High blood pressure is associated with heart disease and stroke.

10. Pain Management

Studies have shown a connection between the amount of sleep and pain threshold. It seems that those who get less sleep also have a lower tolerance for pain. That's why it can be a good idea to get plenty of rest if you've suffered an injury.

As you can see, sleep offers numerous benefits. Getting enough rest each night can contribute to a higher overall quality of life. You'll feel better, achieve more, and maintain increased overall health when you take steps to improve your sleep hygiene.