Sleep helps to repair your body
Our bodies have to repair itself from the daily damage caused by the physical and mental stresses of everyday life. It is in a constant state of defense against infection, pollution and fatigue. The body produces extra protein molecules during the sleeping state which repair it on a cellular level.
Sleep helps keep your heart healthy
Your heart and cardiovascular system is constantly under pressure, and one of the benefits of sleep is that it helps to reduce the levels of stress and inflammation in your body. High levels of ‘inflammatory markers’ are linked to heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. Sleep also helps maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels which are key factors the progression of heart disease.
Sleep reduces stress
A good night’s sleep can lower blood pressure and the elevated levels of stress hormones which are a natural result of today’s fast paced lifestyle. The physical effects of stress result in the ‘wear and tear’ of your body, and the increased aging and degeneration of cells, organs and muscle tissue. By reducing high levels of stress, sleep helps to reverse these effects and encourages a state of health and well being.
Sleep improves your memory
That ‘foggy’ feeling that you struggle with when deprived of sleep makes it difficult to concentrate. This often leads to not being able to recall or ‘commit to memory’ facts, faces, lessons or even conversations! Sleeping well eliminates these difficulties because as you sleep, your brain is busy organizing and correlating memories. One of the great benefits of sleep is that it allows your brain to better process new experiences and knowledge, increasing your understanding and retention.
Proper sleep can help you control your body weight.
Now, this one might surprise you! One of the lesser known benefits of sleep is that it helps regulate the hormones that affect and control your appetite. Studies have shown that when your body is deprived of sleep, the normal hormone balances are interrupted which results in an increase of one’s appetite. Unfortunately this increase in appetite doesn’t lead to a craving for fruits and veggies. Instead your body longs for calorie-rich unhealthy foods! So, if you’re trying to lose those stubborn pounds that just keep hanging around, make sure that getting enough good sleep becomes a priority.