Moneycontrol news September 12, 2023
Image credit: Pixabay/Unsplash
Getting a good night’s sleep is as important for your health as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising. Though sleep needs vary from person to person, most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Here are 7 reasons why you need 7-9 hours of sleep:
1. It may help in losing or maintaing weight Short sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity and weight gain. Sleep deprivation may increase your appetite and cause you to eat more calories. In particular, you’re more likely to eat foods high in sugar and fat.
2. It can improve productivity Good sleep can maximize problem-solving skills and enhance memory in both children and adults. In contrast, poor sleep has been shown to impair brain function and decision making skills.
3. It may strengthen your heart Sleeping fewer than seven hours per night is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. A study found that people who slept fewer than 5 hours per night had a 61% higher risk of developing high blood pressure than those who slept 7 hours.
4. It may improve your mood Chronic lack of sleep can also raise the chance of having a mood disorder. A large study showed that when you have insomnia, you're five times more likely to develop depression, and your chances of getting anxiety or panic disorders are even greater.
5. It helps body fight germs A good night's rest can help you avoid that tired, worn-out feeling. Your immune system identifies harmful bacteria and viruses in your body and destroys them. Ongoing lack of sleep changes the way your immune cells work. They may not be as efficient and you could get sick more often.
6. It prevents inflamation Not sleeping for 7-9 hours at night or sleep disturbance is linked to higher levels of inflammation. Over time, this can increase your risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
7. It reduces risk of diabetes Sleep deprivation can also cause physiological changes like decreased insulin sensitivity, increased inflammation, and hunger hormone changes, as well as behavioral changes like poor decision making and greater food intake — all of which increase diabetes risk