Many people are now sleep-deprived due to their hectic schedules. Most of them wish they could get more hours of rest because they feel tired most of the time. However, fatigue is not the only downside of lack of sleep. Health experts recommend about seven to eight hours of rest so that you can function properly. To give you a better view, here are ways getting enough sleep can help you be your best self.
1. It Improves Memory
As you know, your body is resting while you sleep. However, your brain remains active. During this time, it is processing and consolidating the information you learned from the day. For this reason, your brain may have a hard time processing new information if you’re sleep-deprived. Plus, it won’t have enough time to store memories. As a result, you may have a hard time remembering the information you’ve learned.
2. It Boots Your Mood
As mentioned, there are numerous ways getting enough sleep can help you be your best self. One, in particular, is by boosting your mood. Keep in mind that your brain is not just processing information while you sleep. It is also processing your emotions so that you can react properly.
In fact, you will feel more negative emotions when you’re sleep-deprived. For instance, you will get annoyed or angry easily. On the other hand, you will feel more energized and happy when you’re well-rested. Remember, a deep slumber can help reset a bad day, improving the way you view things the next day. As a result, you’ll be prepared to face future challenges.
3. It Increases Productivity
Some people may think that they are doing more when they sacrifice a few hours of sleep to finish their work. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation has a negative impact on your productivity. Keep in mind that getting enough sleep can improve your focus and cognitive functions. As such, you will perform better if you’re well-rested.
4. It Prevents Weight Gain
As you know, you will feel happy and confident if you have a physically fit body. For this reason, many people strive to maintain their weight. The good news is that one of the ways getting enough sleep can help you be your best self is by preventing weight gain.
Keep in mind that your body produces more ghrelin and less leptin when it is sleep-deprived. Ghrelin is a hormone that boosts your appetite, while leptin is the hormone that informs your when you’re full. If these hormones are out of balance, you tend to reach for unhealthy foods. Plus, you tend to move less when you’re feeling tired. As a result, you may gain a few pounds when you don’t get enough sleep.
