Health benefits of sleep

We all love to sleep and it is obvious that sleep is important to our health and well-being. By getting enough night sleep, we will feel more energetic during the next day. People who have insufficient sleep (less than 6 or 7 hours) are prone to many types of disease. Research shows that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning and other important functions. Ongoing lack of sleep can increase the risk for obesity and heart disease. If you have sleep problem, you should consult your physician or health care professional. Keep reading to know more about sleep benefits.

Healthy heart

Sleep can keep our heart healthy. Usually, heart attack and stroke occur during the early morning time. This is explained by interaction between sleep and blood vessel. Lack of sleep can cause blood pressure and cholesterol to worsen that are the risk factors for heart disease and stroke. To keep your heart healthier, get minimum 7 hours of sleep each night.

Prevent from cancer

Sleep has been associated with prevention of cancer. People who work on the night shift have a risk to get breast and colon cancer. Researchers believe that this may cause by too much exposure to light at night which will reduce the melatonin level. Melatonin is a type of hormone that makes us sleepy and it is thought to prevent from cancer. This hormone can avoid tumours to develop. So make sure you turn off the light so that your body can produce the melatonin it needs.

Reduce stress

We often feel stress when our body doesn’t get sufficient sleep. Our body tend to be on high alert which causes an increase of blood pressure thus stimulate stress hormones. So grab your pillow, ease your mind and get a good sleep. Learn relaxation techniques to counter your stress.

Boost your memory

When we sleep, our brain will consolidate memory. While your body is in resting mode, your brain will process your day, connecting between events, sensory input, feelings and memories. When you have dream during your sleep, it is the important time for your brain to make memories and links. You will be able to remember things more clearly if you get quality sleep.

Get smarter with power nap

If you feel sleep during your afternoon break, get a power nap for like 30 minutes as an alternative to caffeine. It not only can make you refresh but you also can feel more productive. A study shows that people who napped several times a week had lower risk of heart disease. Napping can improve your memory, cognitive function and mood.

So what are your waiting for. Sleep is an effortless way to live longer.

Reference: http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongenergy/tp/healthy_sleep.htm