There are always a hundred reasons for not getting to bed early, whether you are burning the midnight oil working or studying, or just relaxing with a game or a friend. But scientists keep learning more about the importance of sleep to our overall health, and it is more important than you realized.
Immunity
Your health and the way your body fights off illnesses is affected by how much sleep you get each night. If you do not get enough sleep, your body does not have enough of the special proteins it needs to ward off inflammation and infections. Because your immune response is lowered, if you come into contact with illnesses, you are more likely to get sick.
Mental Health
Let’s face it, 2020 was rough, and in the wake of Covid-19 many people are struggling with their mental health. The CDC reported that by late June 2020 at least 40% of Americans said that they were having difficulty with their mental health. This is a difficult time, and anxiety is high.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Although scientists are not exactly sure how, sleep and blood sugar are related, and the amount of sleep you get is tied to the way your body metabolizes blood sugar. Poor sleep habits also show a link with diabetes.
Cognition
The way your brain functions, and the ability of your brain to think and concentrate is affected by sleep. We’ve all had that sluggish feeling when we just couldn’t concentrate, and getting more sleep could definitely fix it.
Patience
If you find yourself snapping at your kids, co-workers, or spouse, think about how much sleep you are getting. Patience runs thin when you are exhausted, and sometimes we take it out on the people around us.
Bedtime routines are important, and now would be a great time to start a new one. With so much of your mental and physical health at stake, going to bed early is a real change for the better.
