5 Reasons Why a Good Night’s Rest is Essential

March 8, 2019

Everyone from a newborn baby to the elderly needs “beauty rest.” However, sleep has many other functions that play a vital role in your overall health and well-being. On average, you need around 7.5 hours of quality sleep each night to fully engage and focus the next day. Struggling with a sleep disorder can throw off the natural balance in your body that you need to feel your best. Let’s explore a few reasons why you need adequate shut-eye and when you should consider consulting with a sleep doctor.

Too Little Sleep Increases Your Risk of Weight Gain

Sleep deprivation decreases the levels of leptin, a hormone that tells you when you need to stop eating. It can also increase the level of ghrelin, the “go” hormone that triggers feelings of hunger. Poor sleep might even have you reaching for easy to prepare foods that are often loaded with calories. Too little sleep can pack on the pounds.

Good Sleep Improves Concentration

When you don’t sleep well at night, you can struggle with focus, concentration, and productivity. Lack of energy can make succeeding at work and school challenging. You might even feel clumsy and experience more accidents when you have a sleep disorder.

 

Sleep Affects Your Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

Did you know that sleep disorders can interfere with your body’s ability to produce and use insulin? Researchers have found that sleep deprivation affects the health of cells in the pancreas where insulin is made and released into the body. Lack of sleep can also decrease your body’s ability to remove sugar from the bloodstream adequately. This can increase your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Poor Sleep Increases Your Risk of Depression

If you struggle with insomnia, you have a tenfold higher risk of developing depression. Poor sleep can make regulation of emotions challenging. Once you begin struggling with feelings of sadness, you can also experience less restorative sleep, making it a vicious cycle of depression and inadequate rest.

A Good Night’s Rest Enhances Your Immune System

A good night’s sleep is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. Research has found that struggling with a sleep disorder can damage your immune system. When your immune system isn’t working the way it should, you’ll be at a higher risk of getting sick when exposed to viruses and bacteria.

Getting the Rest You Need

If you’re ready for a good night’s sleep every night, we can help you get the rest you need for a long, healthy life. We’re committed to helping our patients overcome sleep disorders.  Schedule an appointment with one of our primary care doctors today.

 

References:
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/lack-of-sleep-weight-gain#2
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/diabetes-lack-of-sleep#1
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy-sleep/health-risks/depression-and-sleep-understanding-the-connection
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757