Sleep combats stress and improves immunity in our body.
World Sleep Day is celebrated on March 18, an event launched by the World Association for Sleep Medicine (Wasm) in 2008. This international initiative seeks to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene. sleep.
Despite the fact that it is one of the main pillars of health, according to the Spanish Society of Neurology, there are between 20% and 48% of the adult population that have problems initiating or maintaining sleep.
Sleeping well is not only a great pleasure, it is also beneficial for our body.
It is key to being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to prevent different types of diseases. In addition, it is a fundamental physiological need, since sleep is a behavioral and physiological state during which the body recovers.
Although not everyone has the same sleep needs, it is common for adults to need between six and eight hours of rest a day.
During this time, the brain fixes memories and makes the necessary connections for its proper functioning. That is why not enjoying adequate rest can have different negative consequences, both for physical and psychological health. On the contrary, sleeping well offers us a great number of benefits.
Reduces the risk of being overweight
Poor rest is related to different risk factors for obesity.
And there are numerous studies that conclude that poor quality sleep can lead to weight gain. In fact, proper sleep habits can help prevent hormonal imbalances that cause us to have a greater appetite and, therefore, to eat more food.
Lower risk of heart disease
Getting a good night’s rest regulates blood pressure. In addition, the quality and duration of sleep are closely linked to other risk factors that can lead to the development of different chronic diseases.
According to research published in the European Heart Journal, people with insomnia are more likely to have a stroke or heart disease. In contrast, people who sleep more than seven hours a day are less likely to face this type of disorder.
Increased physical performance
Sleeping well is an important part of the body’s recovery process, which is why it is one of the vital habits for athletes and those who do daily physical activity.
In a study of basketball players at Stanford University, it was shown that those who got enough sleep improved their speed, accuracy, and reaction time in games.
In another investigation with non-professional female athletes, it was proven that lack of sleep is related to slower walking, less strength and greater difficulty in performing physical activities.
Reduces inflammation in the body
There are numerous studies showing that there is a link between getting enough sleep and a reduction in inflammation in the body.
Improves immune function
It is one of the best known benefits of resting well, as the immune system takes advantage of the hours of sleep to regenerate itself.
In this way, it better fulfills its function of protecting our body from external pathogens. According to research from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States, people who sleep less than seven hours are three times more likely to catch a cold than those who rest well.
Improves memory and learning
Sleep has several phases. In one of them, known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement), the brain fixes the learning and memories of that day.
Therefore, resting well is vital to increase concentration, creativity and to retain information. This also increases productivity.
Improves emotional health
Insufficient or poor quality rest alters the biological rhythm, leading us to a state of melancholy that can affect our emotional responses. In fact, people who suffer from sleep disorders are more likely to experience low moods.
The relationship between mental disorders and sleep disorders is widely documented. Specifically, it highlights the link between insomnia, depression and anxiety.
combat stress
At night, in the dark, our body produces a greater amount of melatonin, a hormone that is responsible for synchronizing our biological clock. Together with serotonin, they are hormones that counteract the effects produced by stress hormones, that is, adrenaline and cortisol. In this way, we are happier and emotionally stronger. On the contrary, lack of sleep causes a greater release of stress hormones.
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