Four Good Reasons to Get More Sleep

If you’re not getting enough sleep each night, you may be putting your health at risk. Research shows that getting less than the recommended seven or eight hours of sleep each night can affect various areas of your life. Here are four reasons to turn off your computer or television and hop into bed for a good night’s sleep.

Better Health

Getting a good night’s sleep won’t keep you free from diseases, but it will boost your immune system and help you fight them off. Health studies show links between lack of sleep and some serious health problems including diabetes, heart disease and obesity. One study followed the effects of interrupted sleep patterns on healthy adults between the age of 25 and 35. After several days of disturbed sleep, many had blood glucose levels that put them at risk for early onset diabetes.

Elevated Mood

Getting enough sleep won’t guarantee a sunny disposition every day, but it will help you deal with the day’s events in a calmer, rational manner. When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re much more likely to make bad judgments and irrational decisions. Studies show that mental health problems and sleep problems often go hand-in-hand. When you’re over-tired or exhausted, you’re more likely to make mistakes, snap at your boss or kids, burst into tears for no reason, or feel sad and depressed.

Less Pain

If you suffer from chronic pain from illness or injury, getting a good night’s sleep can reduce your pain. Many health studies show a link between sleep loss and higher pain levels. Although pain can make sleeping more difficult, research shows that sleep can reduce the need for pain medications, while lack of sleep can increase pain symptoms. If chronic or acute pain is keeping you up at night, consider medications that combine a sleep aid with a pain reliever, so you can get a good night’s sleep.

Better Weight Control

Getting enough sleep can help you maintain a healthier weight. When you’re tired, your energy levels are down and you’re much less likely to go for a walk or jog, or prepare a healthy dinner after work. There is also a physiological factor. The hormone leptin plays a key role in making you feel full. When you don’t get enough sleep, your leptin levels drop significantly and you feel hungrier. Hunger can cause you to reach for more high-fat and high-calorie foods.

If you want to look better, feel better and live a healthier life, make sleep a priority each night. Whatever your age, gender and lifestyle, adequate, restful sleep will provide numerous benefits. Get a comfortable quilted memory foam mattress, turn out the lights, and get a good night’s sleep.

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