Start Reaping These 6 Powerful Benefits Of Sleep

6 Eye-Opening Benefits of Sleep
You’re Probably Overlooking

Have you ever heard the saying “I’ll sleep all I need to when I’m dead”?

Many Americans both young and old have adopted this saying in order to keep up with day to day demands.   Our society is hard wired to think about production, results, and money.

What can you get done today?

How is that going to affect the bottom line?

How much money is that going to bring in?

Or just the daily pressures of raising happy, healthy kids?

And let’s not forget about our couple hours of down time each week!  You gotta let loose once in a while..right!  Sound familiar?

 If you’re one of the masses who are skipping out on even a few hours of sleep each night, your body could be missing out BIG TIME!  Sleep contributes greatly to your physical and mental well-being.   It also helps rejuvenate and replenish your body for what lies ahead each day.

Knowing the true benefits of sleep should be enough to make you want to crawl back into bed in a jiffy!   But, before you start reaching for your blankie, lets review the 6 primary benefits of sleep first:

1.  Helps you lose weight!

Yes you heard me right!  Sleepy heads rejoice!  Some research studies have found that people who don’t get at least 8 hours of sleep per night are at a higher risk for becoming overweight or obese. The reason being, it affects the hormones (ghrelin and leptin) that are responsible for regulating our appetite.  Have you ever noticed that you tend to crave more sugar and carbs when you are sleep deprived?  I know I do.  Thus, if you get enough sleep, these hormones will help curb your appetite, reduce cravings, and prevent you from overeating.

2.  Boosts energy.

Getting adequate sleep helps you to feel more active and energized all throughout the day.  If you have enough sleep, your energy levels are higher and your stamina is sky high!  You’ll feel less fatigued, and be able to get more sh*t done!

3.  Prevents risk of heart diseases.

Sleep can help prevent you from getting heart diseases and stroke.  Lack of sleep can cause your cholesterol and blood pressure levels to rise, thus making you more prone to heart disease.

4.  Relieves negativity.

Calling all crank-o’s!  Having a good night sleep will help decrease negative feelings such as stress, anger and anxiety.  It will make you less irritable, feeling refreshed and ready to face the day!

5.  Sharpens your memory.

When we are sleep deprived, we reduce the ability to take in new information by as much as 40% according to Michael Breus, PhD.  When we are able to go into REM sleep, our procedural and declarative memories are strengthened.

6.  Beauty sleep.

Yes, sleep makes you prettier!  Having an adequate sleep will help your skin look glowing and radiant. When we sleep, our skin cells regenerate thus making your skin appear smoother.  It also helps reduce puffy eyes and bags.

Those are just a few of the many benefits of sleep. If you’re not one of the lucky ones that can easily drift off to never never land, than here are some tips on how to get a restful night sleep:

•  Make your bedroom inviting.

Nothing is more enticing than a bedroom that provides soothing relief from a busy day.  Make your room dim or dark and light some scented candles.  The sight and smell of candles will help set the tone for a good night sleep.

•  Take a warm bath.

The warm water will help to relax and de-stress you after a long day.  Better yet, go get some bath balls that will moisturize your skin and make the water smell amazing.

•  Avoid drinking too many liquids before bedtime.

Limit drinking before bedtime to prevent frequent bathroom trips throughout the night.   This will help you have more continuous restful sleep.

•  Eat moderately before going to bed.

Eating heavy meals before going to bed will make it harder for you to sleep at night.  This is because digestions slows down at night and the heavier the meal you eat, the longer it will take for your stomach to settle.

•  Have a bedtime routine.

No kidding!  Bedtime routines are not just for the young.  Having a bedtime routine such as lighting a candle, dimming the lights, or reading, will help signal to your body that it is almost time for bed.  Additionally, try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.  This will help your body get in sync with its natural sleep-wake cycle.

Sleep offers so many benefits from better skin, memory and mood to name a few.  Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and start reaping the benefits!

Hope this Helps…

Yours for More Confidence, More Often

Kristyn Haster