Today I want to talk to you about the ONE thing that could benefit you in so many ways…. sleep!
Many people are aware that lack of sleep can cause us to be irritable and have a lack of focus, but did you know that sleep deprivation can also have consequences on your physical health?
A good nights sleep has several benefits and can boost our health in the following ways:
Boosts immunity- Sleep provides essential support to the immune system by enabling a well balanced immune defence.
Help weight loss- Studies have shown poor sleepers tend to gain more weight and have a higher risk of becoming obese due to having reduced levels of leptin (the chemical that makes you feel full) and increased levels of ghrelin (the hunger-stimulating hormone).
Improves mental wellbeing- Lack of sleep causes us to have low moods and be irritable with long term poor sleep leading to long term mood disorders like clinical depression and anxiety.
Balances hormones, increases exercise performance & brain function- Research shows that poor sleep has immediate negative effects on your hormones, exercise performance, and brain function
Prevents diabetes- Missing out on deep sleep may lead to type 2 diabetes by changing the way the body processes glucose, which the body uses for energy.
Bed before 11pm reduces risk of heart attack & stroke- New research suggests that going to bed between 10pm and 11pm is the ‘golden hour’ to best reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
A solid night’s sleep is essential for a long and healthy life! Can you set yourself a challenge to get 7-9 hours sleep each night for a week?