Benefits Of Getting More Sleep
Do you know how you feel shocking after a rubbish night’s sleep? Well, there’s more going on inside you than you think.
You need seven to nine hours of sleep to cycle through the four sleep stages, which are essential to nocturnal bodily maintenance – processes that are slow or non-existent during the day, like an immune response.
Getting more sleep is the key to good health, but what are the significant benefits, and what should you expect after getting more sleep?
This article explores the five significant benefits of getting more sleep (if you want to learn how to get a better night’s sleep, check out this article).
Let’s jump in!
Benefit #1 - You get sick less often
Research shows that the immune system requires sleep to produce an inflammatory response. Inflammation is the immune system’s response to harmful stimuli, such as viruses, bacteria, toxins, and damaged cells.
During sleep, your body boosts the production of cytokines responsible for regulating inflammation (your body’s response to harmful stimuli). Getting more sleep gives your body the time it needs to heal.
Several studies have found that lack of sleep impacts immunity – people who don’t sleep as well or often are more likely to get sick.
Benefit #2 - You can think clearly
The most noticeable side effect of no sleep is being unable to think clearly, with low concentration, slow problem-solving skills, and trouble finding words. This happens because your brain needs sleep to refresh itself.
In 2019, researchers discovered proof that cerebrospinal fluid washes in and out of the brain in waves while sleeping, washing away toxins. Lack of sleep creates a toxin build-up, impairing your thinking process.
Good sleep will give you the platform to smash it if you have an exam, business meeting, or something else important. Try setting a sleep schedule a week before the big day to get into the habit of sleeping and waking up at decent times.
Benefit #3 - You will shed more fat
Losing weight requires a calorie deficit over several weeks or months (depending on your goals), but a lack of sleep can slow down your results.
Researchers found that the amount of fat lost over two weeks drops by 55% in sleep-impaired people. This is because, during sleeping hours, your body regulates hormones that contribute to weight maintenance and metabolism.
Sleeping more will give you better dieting results, with healthy adults needing between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.
Benefit #4 - Your sex drive gets a boost
More sleep could be the answer if you have a low sex drive. Sleep is necessary to regulate the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, which are linked to sleep problems and depressive symptoms.
Sexual activity is also known to contribute to better sleep by releasing relaxant hormones like oxytocin and prolactin and inhibiting the release of the stress hormone cortisol (if you fall asleep after sex, now you know why!).
Benefit #5 - Your health outlook improves
Lack of sleep – especially regularly - increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and many other serious health problems.
Your body needs sleep to regulate hormones, repair cells, and rebuild – without rest, the essential nocturnal maintenance that keeps you alive (literally) can’t happen. Over time, you are more likely to get sick with serious illness.
The main organ affected by sleep is the heart, with higher levels of disturbed sleep associated with a protein called CRP. People with elevated CRP are three times more likely to have a heart attack or cardiovascular issues.
Thankfully, multiple ways to improve your sleep without reaching for medication and questionable herbal remedies exist. We also recommend speaking with your GP and a sleep expert to take control of your sleep and health.