Quality Sleep Is Vital for Overall Health

It’s long been known that a good night’s sleep sets the stage for a productive day. Now science is showing us how and why a sufficient amount of quality sleep is essential for overall good health. People who do not sleep well are at higher risk for diabetes, obesity, and even cardiovascular disease. Poor sleep also contributes to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are supressed during sleep, which helps us feel less moody, more rested, and better able to cope with life’s daily demands. In addition, research has shown that people with lower stress hormone levels have better memory function than people with high stress hormone levels.

What’s more, sleep is vital for effective brain function. Studies show that without a sufficient amount of sleep it is more difficult to understand new information or remember it, and it’s also harder to concentrate and respond quickly. Research has shown that while people sleep, their brain is removing toxins that built up while they were awake. If a consistent long-term pattern of insufficient sleep ensues over many years, Alzheimer’s disease is a possible consequence.

Paying attention to your sleep habits and committing to behaviors and patterns that support a sufficient amount of quality sleep can go a long way toward manifesting overall good health.

Undervaluing the importance of sleep can be harmful to body and mind, but a bit of planning and a change in habits should enable you to reap the benefits that sleep supplies. If efforts to improve sleep duration or quality are unsuccessful, speak to your doctor about possible causes and be evaluated by a sleep specialist if necessary.

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