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Whenever you visit the doctor’s clinic, or when you need to set up a healthier routine the first question is about your sleep. How much are you sleeping? Is it continuous, deep sleep? If you are looking for some answers, this is the right place! 

The quality of sleep is integral for overall health. 

We will discuss the importance of quality sleep so that you can make the right changes and achieve better health.

Sleep can alter the way you feel during the day. During sleep, your body undergoes repair and restfulness, which calms the mind and resets the body’s functions. If you do not sleep enough, your body can begin deteriorating as the body functions will slow down and the organs do not rest enough. 

In children, sleep helps growth and makes them more energetic. Moreover, heart function improves with better sleep.

Effects of Sleep On The Body

• Cardiac Function: 

When you fall asleep, the non-REM (non-Random Eye Movement) phase begins after an hour, during which the blood pressure and heart rate fall. 

The parasympathetic system controls your body during sleep and it means the body functions slow down to a minimum. 

As the hour of wakefulness approaches, you enter the REM state, and the blood pressure and heart rate rise. If there is a sharp increase in heart rate, it causes angina and chest pain. 

Individuals with poor sleep cycles and light sleep have a higher chance of coronary diseases. Moreover, you can be at a higher risk of obesity stroke and high blood pressure due to less sleep.

• Hormones: 

Hormones and sleep also have a deep relation as sleep quality can impact hormone levels. Our bodies produce different hormones at distinct levels throughout the day. During morning hours, your organs secrete cortisol and other hormones that promote alertness and boost energy levels. 

Many other hormones have a 24-hour pattern to keep a fruitful routine and maximize the 24-hour clock for better functionality and rest. 

In children, the glands that release testosterone and progesterone work with the pulse at night. This is why near puberty, the pulse gets bigger and faster.

• Metabolism: 

Another essential effect of quality sleep is efficient metabolism. A person who sleeps for eight hours every day will have a healthier metabolism, and consequently, their weight will be maintained due to healthy digestion and gut function. 

The way your body handles fat depends greatly on the circadian clock. The circadian clock ensures that your liver is prepared to burn fat properly and that your body can adapt better to times when you eat during the day.

For most people, it is essential to get at least six hours of sleep. When you do not complete your sleep for a few days, you will notice that you get irritated and extremely weak. Lack of sleep can adversely impact the body and can lead to some issues such as higher levels of hormones that control hunger, increased insulin resistance, increased appetite and decreased physical exercise.

• Immune System: 

When we sleep, our body takes in less oxygen due to lower breathing rate and absorption. People who have asthma and other respiratory issues can experience serious issues due to lower oxygen levels. The lack of oxygen does not allow the immune system to work efficiently, which is why people who sleep less can become more susceptible to flu and colds.

• Thinking and Memory: 

When you sleep well, your brain is alert and ready for a full day of productivity. However, if you sleep less, your mood and energy levels remain compromised the following day. 

All of us have experienced this at some time if we sleep less, we cannot work well the next day and experience brain fog. Thinking and memory are impacted by sleep quality so if you want to have a fruitful, productive day, sleep well and let your brain charge for the rigorous day routine.

Good Sleep for Good Health

Children and adults can benefit from a good sleep cycle as the body gets enough time to rest and repair. The body tissues, muscles and organs begin to recuperate and the hormone production optimizes to suit the lifestyle. 

Moreover, children can grow better mentally and physically when their sleep is sufficient. The recommended sleeping hours for children are between eight and eleven, while adults should try and get at least six to eight hours of sleep every night.

Growth hormones decrease if sleep is not enough. Moreover, muscular wear and tear during the day can become extremely problematic if your sleep cycle is not healthy. The body needs time to rest and recover from the rigorous routine therefore, ignoring sleep is not a good choice. 

We have discussed all the reasons why it is essential to have good sleep. Work on your sleep cycle today to maximize your potential and lead a healthier life.