Why Proper Sleep Is Important for Your Health
With a hectic schedule, it can be hard to find the time to get proper sleep every night. But, if you’re compromising on sleep to squeeze in more work or another episode of your TV show, you’re also compromising on your overall health!
Here, we’ll discuss the role that proper sleep plays in your physical and mental health.
Why the Human Body Needs Sleep
Sleep is a fundamental function of the human body. When you’re in deep sleep, your body gets a chance to renew itself by repairing muscle and organ cells, among others. Additionally, chemicals that serve the purpose of bolstering your immune system flow throughout the bloodstream.
Along with supporting your physical health, sleep supports your mental health. The brain needs proper sleep to function at its best. If you’re sleep-deprived, you’ll experience difficulty focusing, retaining memories, and thinking clearly.
The Health Benefits of Proper Sleep
Getting enough sleep each night (7 to 9 hours for the average adult) can provide you with numerous health benefits, including:
Heart Health
Poor sleep is associated with heart disease and high blood pressure. This is because when you sleep, your blood pressure drops. If you skip a good night’s sleep, your blood pressure will remain higher for an extended period. Over time, this can elevate your risk of developing a heart condition.
Immune Function
The immune system becomes stronger when you sleep. So, by getting enough sleep each night, you can improve your body’s ability to fend off illness and disease.
Insulin Sensitivity
People who don’t get proper sleep each night are more likely to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Factors that contribute to risk of diabetes, including heightened inflammation, fluctuating hunger hormones, and increased food intake, are also more common in people who experience sleep deprivation.
At Family Medical Family Centers, we offer a variety of medical services to support your ongoing health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!