Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Sleep and Why We Need It

I have been lacking in this department for a couple of days now since I am still adjusting to my new job as an Account Manager for an Executive Search and Training and Development Firm. It is the very first time that I am working around the clock trying to hit the target that they have given us. Progress thus far has been alright for me, however, I still need to be weary of the sacrifices am taking to be able to do the job well.

Now let us get back to topic. Highlighted here are the major reasons as to why sleep is such an important part of our daily lives and why one has to ensure that you get enough sleep otherwise face the consequences that may affect your body in the long run.

Sleep helps to repair your body
The body generates extra protein molecules while you're sleeping. These help to repair your body at a cellular level. Examples of what could have caused damage would be the likes of stress, pollutants, infection, sun exposure and much more.

Sleep helps keep your heart healthy
Your heart and cardiovascular system is constantly under pressure, and one of the benefits of sleep is that it helps to reduce the levels of stress and inflammation in your body. High levels of 'inflammatory markers' are linked to heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. Sleep can also help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels lower.

Sleep reduces stress
A good night's sleep can lower blood pressure and the elevated levels of stress hormones which naturally occur in today's fast paced society. Sleep helps to reverse these effects and encourages a state of relaxation.

Sleep improves your memory
That sluggish sensation that you get when deprived of sleep makes it difficult for one to concentrate. This can lead to not being able to remember facts, faces, lessons and conversations. Sleeping well eliminates these difficulties because as you sleep, your brain is busy working on organizing and correlating memories. One of the great benefits of sleep is that it allows your brain to better process new experiences and knowledge, therefore increasing your understanding and retention.

Sleeping properly can help you to control your body weight
One benefit of sleep is that it helps you regulate the hormones that affect and control your appetite. Several studies have shown that when your body is deprived of sleep, the normal hormone balances are interrupted and your appetite increases. Unfortunately this increase in appetite doesn't lead to a craving for fruits and veggies, no, instead your body longs for food high in calories, fats and carbohydrates. If you want to get off the carb crave, get enough sleep. :)

Here is a great video to watch from Youtube that talks more on the topic of why sleep is important for us: