HOW SLEEP AFFECTS OUR HEALTH
How Sleep Affects Our Health
There’s a reason sleep deprivation is used as a torture tactic; not getting enough sleep can break down our biological functions.
Good sleep is important for proper brain and body function. When we don’t get enough sleep, we can not only feel irritable, but sick. Here’s why.
What Happens When You’re Sleep Deprived
Our bodies undergo harmful, biological changes when we’re sleep-deprived. Thes side effects could be due to lack of sleep overall, or a lack of quality sleep.
Biological Problems Related to Sleep Loss:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Fluctuating weight
- Depression
- Cognitive impairment
- Lowered immunity
- Increased cortisol levels
You may also notice external changes in your appearance when you’re chronically sleep-deprived. Dark circles can form under the eyes, and the skin is more prone to wrinkling when the body doesn’t get much-needed rest.
There’s a reason that a good night’s sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle. It sets the groundwork for you to face another day, making decisions about your meal plan and activity levels, and rest helps your body fight off illness, retain memories, and stay alert.
As Important as Diet and Exercise
Health experts believe that proper sleep is just as important as well-rounded nutrition and a regular exercise routine. Our certified nutritionists of Utah can help you cultivate the perfect meal plan, but if you’re not also giving your body time to rest, you may not see the results you want. But how much sleep is enough sleep?
The National Sleep Foundation suggests the following hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, based on age:
- Ages 65+ – 7 to 8 hours
- Ages 26 to 64 – 7 to 9 hours
- Ages 18 to 25 – 7 to 9 hours
- Ages 14 to 17 – 8 to 10 hours
- Ages 6 to 13 – 9 to 11 hours
- Ages 3 to 5 – 10 to 13 hours
- Ages 1 to 2 – 11 to 14 hours
- Younger than 12 months – 12 to 17 hours
If you’re not feeling rested when you get up in the morning, you’re not alone. It’s believed that about 35% of American adults aren’t getting enough sleep each night. How can you do better?
