1. A stronger immune system
Healthy sleep helps to keep our body physically healthy by enabling it to fight off diseases. Sleep is when our body rests and repairs itself and it is those hours spent resting that keep our immune system fighting fit; sleep supports the cells and proteins of our immune system.
It has even been found that good sleep can make vaccines more effective!
2. A healthier heart
Bad sleep and a poor sleep routine can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. This is because waking up often in the night stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. When this stimulus happens, it causes blood pressure to increase and the cardiovascular system to become activated.
The more often you wake up in the night, the greater the risk of your blood pressure remaining high. Without a healthy sleep routine, you are more likely to sleep restlessly.
A lack of sleep has also been linked to poor insulin regulation.
3. Easier weight management
Sleep helps to control the hormones that regulate your appetite so when you haven’t slept well you are more likely to eat more during the day.
Because poor sleep will make your body require more energy, you are also more likely to crave high calorie, fatty foods when you are tired.
4. Reduced stress
If you’re not racking up enough sleep, your body starts to produce more stress hormones, like cortisol.
A good night’s sleep with enough hours spent in deep sleep helps your body relax.
5. Improved mood and better mental health
Lack of quality sleep can make us grumpy and generally annoyed – we have all been there! Sleep deprivation plays havoc with our mood, patience, and energy levels. The better we sleep, the easier it is to face the world, calm and controlled.
If poor sleep is a constant companion, the more at risk you are developing poor mental health, too. Sleep and our mental wellbeing are directly linked; anxiety thrives on poor sleep!