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Why Sleep Is So Important for Your Overall Health

Why Sleep Is So Important for Your Overall Health? Did you know that sleep is just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to maintaining your overall health?

It’s true! Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing chronic health conditions, accelerate the aging process, and put you at a greater risk for injury. So try and sleep like a baby!

Sleep is Good for Your Brain

Sleep is important for many reasons. It helps to restore energy levels and supports the body’s physical recovery from any activities during the day. Sleep also plays an important role in brain health by allowing the brain to process and store information, consolidate memories, and clear out toxins. A lack of sleep can also affect your mental health, as it can lead to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and a decreased ability to make decisions.

Good Sleep is Essential for Overall Health

A good night’s sleep is essential for everyone to function at their best. The amount of sleep you need varies from person to person, but generally, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. To get the most out of your sleep and maintain your health, it’s important to go to bed and wake up at consistent times every day. Also, avoid eating large meals right before bedtime as this can lead to indigestion and other sleep disturbances.

So, while diet and exercise are important components of overall health, it’s essential to make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep as well. Make a conscious effort to prioritize your sleep, and you will be on your way to leading a healthier life! 

Quality of Your Sleep is Important

That said, not all sleep is created equal. The quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity. A few simple steps can help you get better rest: turn off electronics at least an hour before bed; create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom and try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times each day. By doing these simple things, you can improve the quality of your sleep and ensure that you’re getting all the rest your body needs.

Decreased sleep is a risk factor for increased blood sugar. Even partial sleep deprivation over one night increases insulin resistance, which can in turn increase blood sugar levels.

REM Sleep

Sleep is broken into REM sleep and non-REM sleep. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement, and during REM sleep your eyes move quickly in different directions while the rest of your body remains still.

REM sleep is thought to be important for memory consolidation, creativity, and problem-solving. The amount of REM sleep needed varies from person to person, but most people need around 90 minutes per night.

REM is regulated by circadian rhythms, in other words, your body clock. Typically you get more REM sleep during the latter half of the night.

Non-REM sleep

Non-REM sleep includes light sleep and deep sleep.

Deep sleep is the most restorative and rejuvenating sleep stage. It is important for physical recovery, restoring your energy levels, and helping to regulate hormones.

Deep sleep makes up anywhere from 0-35% of your total sleep. On average adults spend 1 to 1.5 hours of their total sleep in deep sleep.

Light Sleep helps you to transition between REM and Deep Sleep cycles.

Light sleep makes up about 50% of total sleep time for adults, and typically begins a sleep cycle. While deep sleep is considered to be the most restorative sleep stage, light sleep also helps your body recover and re-energize.

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To ensure you’re getting the rest you need, make sure to go to bed and wake up at consistent times each day, turn off electronics an hour before bedtime, and create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom. Also, be mindful of how much REM and deep sleep you’re getting each night. By prioritizing your sleep, you can ensure that you’re getting all the rest your body needs to stay healthy and energized throughout the day.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sleep and Mental Health: How Lack of Sleep Affects Your Mental Health

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