How many hours of sleep do you regularly get? 8, 7, 6 hours or even less?
The right amount of sleep can vary from person to person, but it is recommended that adults get at least 7 hours each night. Did you know that many people do not get enough quality sleep, and this can affect their health, wellbeing, and ability to do everyday activities.
Tomorrow is World Sleep Day, an annual event to encourage awareness of the important issues related to sleep, so it’s a perfect time to concentrate on getting more.
According to the NHS, regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, coronary heart disease and diabetes – and it shortens your life expectancy.
Here are 4 ways in which a good night’s sleep can boost your health:
Sleep boosts immunity
If you seem to catch every cold and flu that’s going around, your bedtime could be to blame. Prolonged lack of sleep can disrupt your immune system, so you’re less able to fight off bugs.
Sleep can help with your weight
Sleeping less may mean you put on weight! Studies have shown that people who sleep less than 7 hours a day tend to gain more weight and have a higher risk of becoming obese.
Prevents diabetes
Studies have suggested that people who usually sleep less than 5 hours a night have an increased risk of developing diabetes. It seems that 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.
Sleep wards off heart disease
Long-standing sleep deprivation seems to be associated with increased heart rate, an increase in blood pressure and higher levels of certain chemicals linked with inflammation, which may put extra strain on your heart.
So this weekend, focus on getting an hour or two of extra sleep and start a healthier sleep pattern with more quality sleep. Your future self will thank you for it.
See you next week and see you at the Club soon.
