Why Are Good Sleeping Habits Necessary for Your Health?

 

We all understand the struggle of crawling out of bed every day in the morning while our bodies are crying for just another hour of sleep. Studies have shown that adequate sleep is just as important as the food we eat for our health. If you are not getting a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night, you may want to consider working on your routine so that it allows for a more consistent, adequate sleep schedule. Let’s take a look together on how getting less sleep can affect your health in all the wrong ways.

1.     Weight gain

If you want to burn more calories while you are on a weight loss journey, you might want to start by getting the appropriate amount of sleep every night. People who have a good, sufficient sleep schedule tend to lose more fat than those who do not get enough hours of sleep each night. Inadequate sleep can also cause you to lose muscle mass rather than the fat stored in your body. If you aren’t getting enough sleep on a regular basis, you’ll have more of a propensity to gain weight. Additionally, you’ll find that without adequate sleep, weight loss will be a bit more of a challenge.

2.     Poor eating habits

Have you ever noticed that you tend to eat more when you are sleep deprived? People who are well rested tend to eat healthier, and fewer calories, as compared to those whose sleeping patterns are irregular and insufficient. Moreover, proper sleep helps regulate the hormones that are responsible for hunger and appetite.

3.     Causes health problems

Lack of sleep has been associated with a lot of mental and physical health problems. Many studies have been conducted and have shown that poor sleepers are at a higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Sleep deprivation affects the brain equally, too and limits our mental capacity. A good sleeping pattern is needed to promote good physical health, but it is also needed to promote good mental health. Getting a restful night of sleep directly impacts and improves your mental clarity. Lack of sleep can cause or increase levels of stress, anxiety and even depression.

4.     Dulls the mind and senses

The better rested you are, the clearer your mind will be and the more alert and active you will feel. Have you ever tried to do an activity or workout after a night of little to no sleep? Or how about work? Have you ever fought the struggle of staying focused at work after not having gotten enough sleep the night before? Missing out on good sleep really does take a toll on many of your mental functions.

5.     Impacts mood and relations

Sleep deprivation can make us cranky and short tempered. We can become annoyed or frustrated easily and this can affect our social skills as well as our ability to maintain healthy relationships.

 

Sleep allows us to give our bodies the chance to heal and regulate all of its many functions. Adequate sleep also helps by giving our organs the rest they need to stay healthy. If you’re wanting to improve your health and would like counseling and support as you work towards optimal wellness, call or email to schedule a session.