Apr
To humans, sleep is one of the most important biological functions we have. Life itself depends on our ability to hit the hay at the end of a long day and catch some shut-eye. Unfortunately, so many of us go without proper amounts of sleep, resulting in groggy, drowsy, and irritable zombies who shuffle their way through the next day.
So, in short, sleep is good. But why, specifically, should we get at least 7 hours of sleep a night? What are the benefits and purposes of sleep? To answer that, here are the 7 best reasons to sleep at least 7 hours each and every night.
1. Sleep restores your body.
During an average day, your body goes through a lot of stress. Walking, talking, digesting food, breathing, thinking, worrying, running, lifting, moving – all of these activities take a toll on your body’s organs, muscles, and nerves. Sleep is your body’s chance to give your body a much-needed break. It’s like stretching after working out – if you don’t, your muscles will ache.
2. Sleep improves your mood.
It is a proven fact that sleep has positive benefits for your mood. When we wake up refreshed and energetic, we are more optimistic and happier; when we are sleep deprived, we are irritable and cross.
3. Sleep allows memories to form.
The experiences we have during an average day are short-term memories. Sleep is the process by which our brain takes these short-term memories and stores them into the brain, allowing them to become long-term memories. Have you ever been sleep deprived and very absentminded and forgetful? The lack of sleep is why.
4. Sleep allows knowledge to crystallize.
Similar to memories, the knowledge we gain during a day does not crystallize, or become ‘learned’, unless the brain has the chance to store it away. This occurs during sleep. That is why cramming before an exam is inefficient; the brain has not had time to properly store the information gained.
5. Sleep replenishes energy.
Your body burns calories each waking second to keep your body’s inner furnace boiling. Carbohydrates form the prime source of fuel for your body, and as the day progresses, your body burns up more and more. Sleep provides a resting period for your body, allowing it to replenish enough energy to where you can wake up feeling refreshed.
6. Sleep keeps your brain functioning.
If you have gone a long period without sleep, you have probably noticed that your brain just didn’t function as well when you were deprived. You won’t be able to focus as well, nor will you be able to process information properly. Sleep gives your brain the chance to basically take a break from 24-7 cognitive function so that it can be sharp the next day.
7. Sleep is vital to life.
Believe it or not, going a long period of time without sleep can be fatal. It is estimated that going more than 10 days without any sleep at all will kill you – which is the most important reason to catch some Z’s.
You need to sleep at least 7 hours a night, and generally no more than 8 for your average adult. The 7 best reasons to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night listed above hopefully have given you food for thought…and something to sleep on.
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Hey, my name is Lee Shawn. I am a "thirty something" engineer and the father of two charming boys.
I like to learn and expand beyond my everyday engineering tasks and challenges.
As someone who had his sleeping problems in the past, I did learn a thing or two which I would like to share with you.
This is why I decided to start this blog.
I hope you find the information in my blog useful and practical and I would like to wish you health and a good night sleep.
Lee
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