The benefits of sleep include:
Healthier circulatory and immune systemsBetter management of blood sugar and weightImproved memory, alertness, and problem-solving capabilitiesLower stressGreater balance
This article lists 10 ways sleep is good for your health.
Lack of sleep deprives you of these hormones. That’s associated with:
High blood pressure Worse heart function Over time, heart disease
This is an even bigger problem if you already have a heart condition.
Sleep deprivation can cause many problems with metabolism, including fluctuating blood sugar levels.
This can be a problem if you have diabetes. It also raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Blood sugar extremes also affect your:
MoodEnergy levelsMental function
Stress can make you react in ways that aren’t productive. You may act out of fear or make rash decisions. Or you may be irritable.
A poor night’s sleep can make you feel anxious. This may last until you finally get some much-needed rest.
You may not notice excess inflammation. But it can have an effect on your body.
Chronic inflammation damages structures and increases your risk of many health conditions. A few examples include:
Ulcers Dementia Heart disease
Poor sleep appears to disrupt the balance of ghrelin and leptin. Those are hormones that control appetite.
If you want to lose or maintain weight, don’t forget that good sleep is part of the equation.
It also reduces stress, prevents inflammation, and helps control weight.
That’s called postural instability. It can lead to injuries and falls. Even mild instability can cause problems during sports or exercise.
It’s easier to exercise when you’re energetic and alert. So that’s an indirect benefit of getting enough sleep.
Being engaged and active throughout your day feels good. And being more active all day makes another good night’s sleep more likely.
During sleep, your brain makes connections. It links events, feelings, and sensory input to form memories.
Deep sleep is important for this. So more quality sleep can improve your memory.
Executive function helps you with work, school, social interactions, and more. One night of sleep deprivation can impair executive function the next day.
Your cells produce certain proteins while you sleep. They form the building blocks of cells. That lets cells repair the day’s damage and keep you healthy.
Quality sleep allows you to be energetic and alert. It allows you to lose weight, exercise, work, learn, socialize, and do all the things you enjoy.
A Word From Verywell
If you’re not sleeping well, talk to your healthcare provider. You have a lot of options for getting better sleep.
That may include treating sleep disorders and/or improving your sleep habits. Your provider may also be able to suggest medications or supplements to improve your sleep.
But the most important thing is that you make sleep a priority. Set aside at least seven hours a night, and eight or nine if possible.
A warmer room can make it harder to fall asleep. It can also make you feel less well-rested.
