The Importance of Sleep, Unfortunately, we live in a sleep-deprived world. A hundred years ago we slept 8-9 hours a night, now we sleep on average 6-7 hours a night.
According to a report done on sleep, 20 % – 30 % of the population are regularly deprived of sleep or suffer from sleep problems. This is not good for your body or brain. Sleep is when your body repairs and heals.
Does Sleep Affect Health?
New studies indicate that improving the quantity and quality of sleep has a more significant effect on overall health than either diet or exercise! To understand sleep, one must first understand the importance of sleep to overall health.
People still rarely associate sleep with their overall health and well-being. It’s important to know and understand the different stages of the sleep cycle like the REM sleep cycle and the Non-REM sleep cycle so you know if you’re getting a good night sleep or a poor night sleep.
Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
Moderate and long-term sleep deprivation leads to increased:
- Insulin levels
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Attention deficit disorder (A.D.D.)
- Problems with learning and memory
Sleep deprivation can be a contributing factor to more severe health conditions.
If that doesn’t get you to sleep more, then you should know that sleep deprivation spikes levels of the hormone ghrelin, which increases hunger, and lowers your appetite suppressing hormones known as PYY. You eat more to compensate for the lack of sleep and you crave more sugars and refined carbohydrates as a result.
Sleep deprivation also increases stress hormones such as cortisol, which kills brain cells in the memory and mood center called the hippocampus.
Sleep is not a nuisance or a luxury, it’s part of regular maintenance and repair. Getting enough sleep can mean the difference between a sick, tired, foggy, unfocused, life and one where you feel vibrantly healthy and fully tuned into the world around you.
What many people forget is that good sleep is linked to a great quality mattress. The quality of your mattress can have a huge impact on your sleep, and poorer quality mattresses, also expose you to toxic glues, chemicals, fire retardants, dust-mites, and allergens that can inhibit sleep and have adverse effects on health.
The critical “system maintenance” your body performs while sleeping includes:
Growth hormones are released, for healing and development.
Discs are re-hydrated..
Blood flow is directed to areas needing healing.
Memories are cataloged for later use.
Motor skills are fine tuned.
Fact About Sleep
A good mattress is critical to a good night’s sleep. Investing in a mattress is investing in your health.
Latex mattresses from Mimpi can be a solution for better and quality sleep. You can order a Mimpi mattress here!
