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Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising. Though sleep needs vary from person to person, most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Yet, up to 35% of adults in the United States don’t get enough sleep.
This article tells you 10 reasons why you need to get more sleep.
1. May help you maintain or lose weight
Short sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity and weight gain. Sleep deprivation may increase your appetite and cause you to eat more calories. In particular, you’re more likely to eat foods high in sugar and fat.
2. Can improve concentration and productivity
Good sleep can maximize problem-solving skills and enhance memory. In contrast, poor sleep has been shown to impair brain function and decision making skills.
3. Can maximize athletic performance
Getting enough sleep has been shown to improve many aspects of athletic and physical performance.
4. May strengthen your heart
Sleeping fewer than seven hours per night is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
5. Affects sugar metabolism and type 2 diabetes risk
Many studies show a strong association between chronic sleep deprivation and risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
6. Poor sleep is linked to depression
Poor sleeping patterns are strongly linked to depression, particularly for those with a sleeping disorder.
7. Supports a healthy immune system
Getting at least 7 hours of sleep can improve your immune function and help fight the common cold. It may also improve COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, though more research is needed.
8. Poor sleep is linked to increased inflammation
Sleep disturbance is linked to higher levels of inflammation. Over time, this can increase your risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Affects emotions and social interactions
Sleep deprivation may reduce your social skills and ability to process emotions.
10.Lack of sleep can be dangerous
Severe sleep deprivation increases your risk of getting in a car accident or being injured at work. It can greatly affect your ability to make critical decisions.
The bottom line
Along with nutrition and exercise, taking care of your sleep is one of the pillars of health.
Lack of sleep is associated with many negative health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, depression, weight gain, inflammation, and sickness.
Though individual needs vary, most research suggests that you should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health.
Just like you prioritize your diet and physical activity, it’s time to give sleep the attention it deserves.
Just one thing
Try this today: For the next week, keep track of how many hours of sleep you get per night. If it’s less than 7, try to go to bed 30 minutes earlier every day the following week. Gradually increase this until you’re getting at least 7 hours per night.
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