By: Jenny Q, The Sleep Snob
Sleep was just that - sleep. We didn’t think much about it - you just knew you were tired and went to bed at the end of the day. But as we learn more about ourselves and what makes us function and perform well - we realize that sleep is so much more important than we knew.
At Sleep Snob - we strongly believe that successful sleep = successful life.
When we sleep, our bodies get rest - well duh! you say, but it’s all parts of our bodies - that means from every part and function of our brain, to every organ, our muscles, our immune system, you get the point. Sleep affects all parts of our life - it affects our daily lives, our eating habits, the choices we make, our mood and happiness level. Because more people are realizing how vital sleep is, there is a growing interest from people wanting to know what they can do to improve their sleep health, evident by the growing amount of companies in the sleep industry. From sleep coaching services to technologically advanced mattresses and pillows to sleep wearables that tell us the amount and quality of our sleep.
Let’s take a look at why sleep is so important and what it does for us:
Physical
Sleep repairs and rejuvenates our immune system, our muscles, organs, etc
When we get enough sleep, we’re more prone to getting exercise and have better sex with our partner
Not only are we more inclined to be active, but it prevents weight gain from not enough sleep and helps with weight loss
Lack of sleep is linked to diabetes, can cause muscle loss, risk of heart disease, and even stroke
Sufficient sleep enables us to have quicker reflexes
Mental
Our memory gets consolidated when we sleep. When we learn throughout the day, that information gets retained when we go to sleep at night. Studies have proven that when you learn new information or study for a test, and you take a nap or go to sleep, you will retain more of that information and for longer, than someone who has not slept yet or is taking a test the same day they studied.
Our brain gets refreshed. It’s like restarting your computer. Sleep gives our brain a chance to “shut down” and not take in any external information so we can start again the next day. It allows us to be alert and renews our energy.
Sleep allows us to organize and sort through our thoughts and events for that day. So many events happen through the day that we are not aware of, but our subconscious catches them, and sleeping helps us to collect those subconscious events and produce insights, solve problems, and those dreams that are seemingly a prediction.
Increases/maintains our happiness levels
Sleep keeps our mental health in check in many ways. Those that don’t get enough sleep are more prone to anxiety and depression and over time, more serious mental health issues
Sufficient sleep enables us to make good decisions
Because with a lack of sleep, especially over a few nights or chronic insomnia, our brain and body is in survival mode, trying to get through the day trying to stay awake
Emotional
When we don’t get enough sleep, we are emotionally reactive, easily angered and frustrated, lashing out at people or small situations
Lack of sleep diminishes our empathy
Lack of sleep can cause you to be less grateful towards your partner, even if only one person didn’t get enough sleep, both partners feel the effect
Spiritual
For those of you that are spiritual, myself included, when you don’t get enough sleep, you might not feel as connected to your spirituality
You may skip your meditation or spiritual routine because you’re not in the mood
With that said, if you’re lacking sleep, meditation is the best way to make you feel more rested, by relaxing your mind
This is quite a long list, but not an all encompassing list of why sleep is not only important but why it’s vital to every component of your life. I hope this list is long enough to convince you to make sleep your #1 priority. Literally schedule your day around your sleep.
Happy Sleeping!
Jenny Q
The Sleep Snob
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