A good night’s sleep is as important as eating healthy and exercising for a healthy body and mind. “Early to bed, early to rise: healthy, wealthy and wise” is a rhyme that probably all of us have read in our school textbooks but only a few have applied in life. According to recent statistical data, presented at an international conference organized by the South East Asian Academy of Sleep Medicine (SEAASM) and Getwell Hospital in Nagpur, the global sleeping hours per day has decreased globally and India stands second to last on the list.
Our body needs good sleep to rejuvenate itself and not getting enough sleep can make you feel tired, moody, short-tempered and have other harmful effects on your health. Here we will give you some reasons why a good night’s sleep is so important for your healthy body.
A good sleep leads to strong immune system
The body produces cytokines during sleep. Cytokinesis is an important part for functioning your immune system and helps the body to fight harmful foreign agents like bacteria and viruses. So sleep deprivation can lead to a weaker immune system which increases a risk of getting various diseases.
Good sleep means healthy digestive system
Sleep deprivation leads to hormonal imbalance, one of such hormonal disbalance can be in
a disbalance in digestive hormones, leptin and ghrelin. Ghrelin is an appetite stimulant, which tells us that our body needs food and leptin is another hormone which tells us that we are full. Sleep deprivation can disturb brain function and that leads to reduced levels of leptin and increase in ghrelin levels. This disbalance results in overeating and night-time snacking. A good sleep can keep these hormone levels in check and helps in maintaining hormonal balance.
Good night’s sleep can improve concentration and productivity
Sleep is essential for various aspects of brain function including cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance. Sleep deprivation negatively affects concentration and productivity. During sleep, the fluid-filled glymphatic system reduces unwanted toxins in the brain and rejuvenates it. A rejuvenated body and mind is a perfect combination for a beautiful day.
Poor sleep increases risk of heart diseases
Heart performs one of the most important functions in the body. A disease free heart is the key to a disease free body. The lower oxygen levels during sleep can result in health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Poor sleeping habits increase the risk of severe health conditions like blood pressure and heart disease.
Reduces risk of depression and anxiety
Mental health is as important as physical health. Studies show that lack of sleep increases the risk of depression and anxiety disorders. As a good sleep can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. It is crucial for your body and mind to have a proper sleep every night. Sleep deprivation often leads to depression and other mental health related issues.
