THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP FOR HEALTH, FITNESS AND PRODUCTIVITY

Are you tired of your dark circles? Do you often find yourself yawning at your workplace? In today's era, we are occupied with too many tasks and deadlines (whether professional or personal) and we are not left with any time to look after ourselves. According to the latest research, if a person cannot lose weight even after working out regularly and having a healthy diet, then the missing piece of the puzzle could be a lack of proper sleep.

Sleep is essential for appropriate day to day functioning of an individual. We often make a list of what we think having a healthy lifestyle means, and we tend to include diet, workout, personal hygiene and relationships, but we often neglect adequate sleep. 

Article Summary: In this article, you will learn about the vital importance of sleep to enhance productivity in your life. Numerous benefits of adequate sleep are enlisted below:

•         Reduces Obesity;
•         Improves Concentration;
•         Enhances Beauty;
•         Promotes Healthy Growth;
•         Strengthens The Immune System;
•         Inhibits Likelihood Of Heart Diseases And Diabetes;
•         Enhances Athletic Strength.

Reduces Obesity

Lack of sleep can contribute to obesity as it reduces metabolism. It also disrupts the levels of hormones in the body. Reduced sleeping hours cause a decrease in cortisol and ghrelin. These hormones are responsible for enhanced cravings and hunger pangs. A person tends to eat junk food due to poor sleep and slow body metabolism.

Improves Concentration

A well-rested mind performs better at solving problems and making decisions. Analytical reasoning also requires higher levels of concentration. A good night's sleep can also reduce mishaps and mistakes in the workplace. Low concentration of drivers is often a cause of road accidents.

 Enhances Beauty

As per research, two nights of poor sleep results in a lack of glow or dullness on one’s face. Reduced sleep also results in dark circles and eye bags. A person appears frail and unhealthy and no amount of make-up can freshen up a dull face.

Promotes Healthy Growth

During the Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, the body releases essential hormones for healthy growth and development. Any worn-out and damaged tissues of the body are also repaired during this phase. 

Strengthens Immune System

A study was conducted in which people were given nasal drops infected with a common cold virus to see who would get sick and who wouldn’t. The results showed that individuals who slept less than 7 hours a night were more prone to getting the common cold. Poor sleep is known to weaken the body's immune system and, as such, a person becomes more prone to diseases than other individuals.

Reduces Likelihood of Heart Diseases and Diabetes

Our bodies process glucose during deep sleep. The lack of NREM sleep results in an increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes due to the development of insulin resistance. Insufficient sleep may also lead to atherosclerosis which is the narrowing of arteries that can result in severe cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Enhances Athletic Strength

According to a study, an increased number of sport injuries occurs in athletes who sleep less than seven hours per night. So, sound sleep results in better coordination of muscles and quicker reflexes during strenuous activities.

Bottom Line

According to health experts, sound sleep of 7-9 hours is recommended every night. A person wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle should not forget to give proper rest to the mind and body.

‘Sleep is the golden chain that binds health and our bodies together’ 

- Thomas Dekker.