Benefits of a Good Night's Sleep

We all love a good night's sleep. This is because it refreshes the body, helps you to perform better, and plays a major role in making you healthy and happy. And while there are many benefits of a good night's sleep, many of us experience continuous lack of enough sleep. This is something that should never be taken lightly.

The World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) states that sleep disorder is a major problem that affects more than 45 percent of entire world population. Insomnia significantly reduces the physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing of the body and affects the overall work performance of an individual. With the busy lifestyles we find ourselves in, we are also faced with the normal strains and pressures of daily work and life, as well as the usual responsibilities of taking care of our families. Enter the financial concerns and uncertainties of jobs, relationship worries and dealing with sickness, it is not hard to understand why having a good night's sleep is extremely important. Without much ado, here are some benefits of a good night's sleep.

A Good Night's Sleep Maintains the Health of Your Heart

Researchers have found that strokes and heart attacks are mainly experienced in the morning. This is because sleep is vital to the proper functioning of the blood vessels. Shortage of sleep is linked to cholesterol and blood pressure, all major causes of stroke and heart disorder. Your heart can get healthier if you sleep for at least seven hours daily.

A Good Night's Sleep Can Also Prevent Cancer

People who work at night face a higher risk for colon and breast cancer. Scientists believe this relationship is brought about by varying melatonin levels in individuals who are subjected to night light. Exposure to light interferes with the release of melatonin hormone, which is responsible for sleep and is said to prevent cancer. Melatonin seems to reduce the risk for tumor growth. Make sure that you sleep in a dark bedroom to enable your body manufacture the necessary melatonin.

Sleep Helps to Relieve Body Stress

If your body lacks enough sleep, it tends to experience higher stress levels. The body is always on the alert, which may result in an increase in the manufacture of stress hormones. Your blood pressure also increases, and this can result in strokes and heart attacks. The stress hormones are also responsible for shortage of sleep. Learn how to conquer stress in order to enjoy a regular good night's sleep.

Sleep Leaves You More Refreshed and Alert

Without a doubt, a good night's sleep leaves you revitalized and attentive the following day. Being active and occupied will make you feel good and help to enhance your chances of getting good sleep.

Sleep Boosts Your Memory

It is still unclear why we dream when we sleep, but researchers believe that memory consolidation happens when we sleep. Although your might be inactive, your body keeps on processing different activities, connecting memories and feelings. Getting good sleep can help you to learn and remember things better (Carskdon, 2011).

References:
1. Baldwin, DC, Daugherty's. "Sleep deprivation and fatigue in residency training: results of a national survey of first- and second-year residents." Sleep [2004,].
2. Carskdon, M.A." Sleep's effects on cognition and learning in adolescence."