Sleep like eating is necessary for survival. The way you sleep at night affects your waking hours. It can affect how you think, react, learn, work, socialize and cope with daily chores. Sleeping at the right time in sync with your body’s natural clock or circadian rhythm is beneficial for adults. Quality sleep between 7 to 8 hours daily can help improve your physical health, mental well-being, and safety.
Did you know sleep deprivation can affect the body?
Skipping one night of sleep makes a person cranky and clumsy.
Skipping two nights of sleep hampers clear thinking and performing daily tasks nearly as well.
Skipping five nights of sleep makes a person hallucinate.
Eventually, it becomes impossible for the brain to give directions to the rest of the body leading to chronic health conditions.
10 reasons why sleep is good for you
Here are ten reasons why you should give your body the right amount of sleep –
- Improves concentration, productivity, and cognition.
- Allows your brain to store memories so you can pull them up when you are ready.
- Ensures a person consumes fewer calories during the day.
- Boosts athletic performance.
- Lowers the risk of heart disease.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Lowers the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
- Improves germ-fighting and immunity.
- Heightens emotional and social intelligence.
- Prevents depression.
How much sleep is good for your body?
According to the CDC, this is the recommended amount of sleep required to remain healthy:
Newborns (0–3 months): 14–17 hours
Infants (4–12 months): 12–16 hours
Toddler (1–2 years): 11–14 hours
Preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours
School-age (6–12 years): 9–12 hours
Teen (13–18 years): 8–10 hours
Adult (18–60 years): 7-plus hours
Adult (61–64 years): 7–9 hours
Adult (65+ years): 7–8 hours
Sleep is an essential body function. While stress, lighting, and medical conditions prevent good sleep, a healthy diet and a positive lifestyle ensure deep sleep. Get your dose of a good night’s sleep for a good day ahead!
