Sleep is something most of us look forward to after a long and busy day. Whether you have the softest blanket that you can't wait to wrap yourself in, or your reading of this research by Real Simple has landed you the perfect mattress, there is not doubting people are excited to hop into bed.
Unfortunately, not everyone sleeps as well as they should. Every night, experts recommend that adults get 7 hours of sleep or more. We all strive for that amount, but much less actually reach it consistently. This is especially true recently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the many restless nights it caused all over the world.
But why is it so important to get this much sleep every night? Well, there are many reasons, and this blog will go over seven of them.
Increased Productivity
Perhaps one of the most noticeable benefits of a good night of sleep is increased focus and productivity. Your mind will be sharp, and you will be able to focus without being distracted or lethargic. You will be able to concentrate for longer, and your brain will simply function better than if you had a lack of sleep.
Better Athletic Performance
If you like to play sports or exercise, getting a good sleep will ensure you perform as well as possible. This is because your body had enough time to recover and you have much more energy and focus than if your sleep was lacking. Even things like your speed and reaction times should see improvements and benefits with a good night of sleep.
Lower Your Risk for Many Diseases and Ailments
Sleep has been connected with a variety of different diseases, ailments, and disorders. This includes obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, just to name a few. If you suffer from a lack of sleep, it can make you more prone to these diseases. But if you sleep well each and every night, your risk will almost certainly be lower.
Better Immune System Function
If you sleep well, your immune system will generally function better. When you sleep, your body repairs itself and uses that time to recover. This includes your immune system. If you don't sleep well, your immune system might not get a chance to stay in the best shape, which could leave you more prone to infection.
Improved Social Interactions
We've all had interactions with people who haven't gotten enough sleep, and they are often less than pleasant. If you have a lack of sleep, your emotional intelligence will take a hit and you may struggle in social situations. But if you sleep well, you should be able to read social cues and have conversations without a problem.
Help Your Memory
Our memory is crucial for everything from remembering how to do our job, succeeding on tests, and remembering names and faces. Your body uses the time when you're asleep to process and create your memories. This is why your memory may be a little hazy after consistently bad sleeps. If you sleep well, however, your memories will be much clearer.
Reduce Depression
There is believed to be a link between a lack of sleep and depression. Many of those who suffer from depression claim to also have trouble sleeping. So, if you get more sleep, it is likely going to reduce depression and could even prevent it outright in some cases. While this won't always be the case, good sleep has certainly helped many people better deal with depression.
These are just some of the many reasons to get a good night's sleep. As you can see, getting enough sleep is great for making sure you are a happier and healthier person.
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Ashley Lipman
Ashley Lipman is an award-winning writer who discovered her passion for providing knowledge to readers worldwide on topics closest to her heart - all things digital. Since her first high school award in Creative Writing, she continues to deliver awesome content through various niches touching the digital sphere.
