How many hours of sleep do you get a night? Five… Seven… Nine…
A good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Sleep enables our body to repair and be ready for another day. The amount of sleep you receive is as valuable as the quality.
Five reasons why sleep is important
1. Weight gain
People who experience poor sleep tend to gain weight more than those who get the required amount of seven to eight hours of sleep. The effect of sleep on weight gain is believed to be linked to hormones and the motivation to exercise.
2. Concentration and productivity
Sleep is important for the way your brain functions. This includes cognition, concentration, productivity and performance. All of these are negatively affected by loss of sleep.
3. Overall well-being
Sleeping less than six hours a night can even affect your appetite, blood sugar levels and immune system. As hormone and insulin levels are affected by the duration of sleep you receive.
4. Mental health
Good sleep patterns help our overall mental health and brain function, while poor sleep can lead to disorders like insomnia and depression.
5. Emotions and social interactions
Loss of sleep can affect your mood and ability to process emotions and interact socially. These are linked to your hormones, energy levels and brain function.
Therefore, along with healthy eating and a good exercise regime, sleep is one of the most important contributors to optimal health and well-being.