You probably already know that the average adult needs eight hours of sleep every night to function properly. But what does that truly mean? It’s more than just feeling rejuvenated and energized in the morning: a solid night’s sleep has some important health benefits, too. While you are sleeping, your body is doing some pretty amazing things.
The term ‘beauty sleep’ didn’t come out of thin air, so the next time someone calls you lazy for wanting to rest, you can inform them about how your body is working hard to stay healthy while you catch some Zs.
Check out these amazing and surprising health benefits sleeping provides.
1. Improve Your Memory
Sleep deprivation causes your brain not to store or remember information very well. If you forget your email password, maybe you should consider your bedtime. As you snooze, your mind organizes your memories. It also clears out damaging neurotoxins that build up when you are awake.
2. Reduce the Risk of Depression
Although medical professionals know the lack of adequate rest is not the only cause of depression, the relationship between sleep and depression has been carefully studied. If you receive less than six hours of sleep per night, you might have an increased chance of developing major depression according to one study.
Your doctor will most likely suggest that sleeping is essential to your health and happiness. Scientists have even called the relaxed state of mind you feel post-nap as nappiness in relation to happiness.
3. Lose a Little Weight
Did you know your sleep pattern and metabolism are connected? In fact, multiple studies reveal a link between weight gain and irregular sleeping patterns. If you have a restricted sleeping schedule because of school or work, you might also consume more calories through energy drinks or caffeinated beverages to maintain your energy performance.
As you sleep, did you know you sweat and breathe out humid air? This action can help you lose weight as you rest. Getting the right amount of sleep might help you shed some pounds.
4. Grow Taller
During the day, your discs in the spine are pressed down. However, as you sleep at night, they rehydrate and grow. You have an increased height in the morning, although you may not notice as much as an adult on a day-to-day basis. One thing is for sure: a high quality mattress is critical to provide the best support for your body.
Not only that but when you sleep your growth hormone levels rise and stimulate the renewal of your body. When it comes to children, it is more evident that they grow during their sleep. For some kids, they can go to bed at night and wake up a couple of inches taller.
5. Enjoy Radiant Skin
As mentioned before, your growth hormone levels rise as you sleep, which affects your organs including your skin. If you skip your eight hours, you are honestly losing out on your beauty sleep, which means you can age prematurely. Instead, take a snooze to gain the most out of this amazing health benefit of sleep.
As the hormone levels increase, your collagen growth will make blood vessels stronger, which drives elasticity. Have you ever noticed that when you first wake up, your complexion is flawless, but throughout the day you experience blemishes, zits, and large pores? The more you sleep, the better your skin!
6. Boost Your Immune System
Several studies reveal that sleeping more can lower your chances of getting sick. A study completed in Finland showed that well-rested individuals were less likely to miss work compared to those who did not get enough sleep at night.
According to Dr. Jordan Stern, founder and director of BlueSleep Center in NYC, if you suffer from chronic sleep deprivation, you are more susceptible to recurring infections. If you feel symptoms of an upper respiratory virus, try to sleep up to 10 hours that night.
Another trial revealed that flu shot participants who were sleep-deprived the next night did not produce the antibodies needed to protect against the flu.
7. Rejuvenate Your Brain and Body
Not only can you boost your immune system while sleeping, but your body will do a full toxin cleanse. Your brain, especially, will be able to revitalize. Without the proper rest, filtration is not as adequate, which is why people who lack sleep appear a little stir crazy.
While you sleep, your brain cells repair and all of your individual cells can restore as well. If you have ever pulled an all-nighter, you know that beat up feeling. If you feel rundown, it’s time to take a nap.
Getting a good night’s sleep is more important than you think. Put an end to the tossing, turning and regularly waking up in the middle of the night by investing in a comfortable mattress.
