#AllureHealthTips: 8 health benefits of sleep
By Patricia Uyeh
Sleep forms an essential part of everyday lives. It is not only for good for relaxation, it is essential for good health which affects the heart, mind, body, weight and others. Perhaps you are a workhalolic, you should consider taking a break and ensuring you get goood sleep.
Below are reasons why sleep is good for you:
1. Sleep improves your memory
Interestingly, the mind is busy working while we are asleep. Sleep strengthens memories and ‘practice’ skills learned while awake.
2. Long life
While it remains unclear how too much or too little sleep can affect affect ones lifespan. It is generally accepted that sleep affects the quality of ones life. If you want to live better then try sleeping better.
3. Curbing inflammation
Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and premature aging has been connected to inflammation. According to research, people who get less sleep six or fewer hours a night, have higher blood levels of inflammatory proteins than those who get more sleep.
4. Sparks creativity
Sleep sparks creativity. It is known to stir up the emotional components of the brain that spark and inspire creativity.
5. Sharpens attention
A 2009 study in the journal Pediatrics found that children ages seven and eight who got less than about eight hours of sleep a night were more likely to be hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive.
6. Relieves stress
Are you stressed up? You definitley need to sleep more. Doctors say that sleep reduces the levels of stress and with that people can have better control of their blood pressure.
7. Contributes to healthy weight
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that dieters who were well rested lost more fat ; 56% of their weight loss than those who were sleep deprived who lost more muscle mass. In essence, sleep contributes to having a healthy weight through a healthy lifestyl
8. Cures depression
Sleep is an anti-depressant. It was observed that those who lacked sleep were irritable, grouchy and anxious compared to those who slept well that were high-spirited, motivated and cheerful. In summary, sleep affects ones overall well being.
