The Benefits of Quality Sleep

Are you sleep-starved? Are you aware of the detrimental effects this is having on your health? In your quest for better sleep, here is a preview of what lies ahead of you at the goal. Feel free to print this out and use it to motivate you!

1. Sleep Keeps Your Heart Healthy
Heart attacks and strokes are more common during the early morning hours. Research has shown that a lack of sleep due to snoring leads to the narrowing of arteries.

2. Sleep May Prevent Cancer
People working the late shift have a higher risk for breast and colon cancer. This is because melatonin levels are lower due to the light these people are exposed to at night. Melatonin appears to suppress the growth of tumors. Ensure that your room is dark as you fall asleep so as to fall asleep better.

3. Sleep Reduces Stress
When your body is sleep - deficient, it goes into a state of stress. This raises the stress hormones in the blood. The body is put on high alert which causes an increase in blood pressure and produces stress hormones. Higher blood pressure increases your risk for heart attacks and strokes.

4. Sleep Reduces Inflammation
The increase in stress hormones raises the level of inflammation in your body, also creating more risk for heart-related conditions, as well as cancer and diabetes. Inflammation is thought to one of the causes of the deterioration of your body as you age.

5. Sleep Makes You More Alert
Being engaged and active not only feels great, but it also increases your chances for another good night's sleep. When you wake up feeling refreshed, use that energy to get out into the daylight and do active things. You'll sleep better the next night and increase your daily energy level.

6. Sleep Bolsters Your Memory
Researchers do not fully understand why we sleep and dream, but a process called memory consolidation occurs during sleep. While your body may be resting, your brain is busy processing your day, making connections between events, sensory input, feelings and memories. Getting more quality sleep will help you remember and process things better.

7. Sleep May Help You Lose Weight
Researchers have also found that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to be overweight or obese. It is thought that the lack of sleep impacts the balance of hormones in the body that affect appetite. If you are interested in controlling or losing weight, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

8. Naps Make You Smarter
Napping during the day is not only an effective and refreshing alternative to caffeine, it can also protect your health and make you more productive. People who nap at work have much lower levels of stress. Napping also improves memory, cognitive function and mood.

9. Sleep May Reduce Your Risk for Depression
Sleep impacts many of the chemicals in your body, including serotonin. People with a deficiency in serotonin are more likely to suffer from depression. You can help to prevent depression by making sure you are getting the right amount of sleep, between 7 and 9 hours each night.

10. Sleep Helps the Body Make Repairs
Sleep is a time for your body to repair damage caused by stress, ultraviolet rays and other harmful exposures. Your cells produce more protein while you are sleeping. These protein molecules form the building blocks for cells, allowing them to repair damage. You also boost immunity levels by getting enough sleep.
As you can see, the numerous benefits improve both your physical and mental well being. Motivate yourself with this list and work towards your goal of sleeping better – tonight!