There was a time when I was losing a lot of sleep because I was struggling to juggle all my responsibilities in school, at work and at home and a friend told me that it’s okay, because sleep is overrated. I didn’t believe it then and I still don’t believe it now. Back then, all I knew was I needed sleep to recharge my body and regain energy to prepare me for the next day.
Inadequate nighttime sleep can affect your ability to concentrate and perform properly, cause daytime sleepiness, irritability, stress and a lot of other problems. In an article published in Reader’s Digest recently, University of California research psychiatrist Dr. Michael Irwin explained that sleep gives our hearts a much deserved rest, making it easier for blood to flow. Sleep deprivation raises the blood pressure and over time, places you at a high risk.
In addition, Harvard Women’s Health Watch mentioned a few reasons to give importance to getting enough sleep. One of this is its effects in learning and memory. When the mind is well-rested, it’s able to retain more information and learning is much easier. Chronic sleeplessness is also linked to weight gain because sleep affects the way the body uses up and stores carbohydrates. It also alters the production of hormones that affect a person’s appetite. Furthermore, many accidents have been caused by lack of sleep. Inadequate rest can cause lapses or judgment, concentration and mistakes that otherwise wouldn’t have happened if you were able to get enough sleep. Chronic sleep disorders are also associated with cardiovascular problems such as hypertension and dysrhythmia, which can be fatal. Finally, inadequate sleep depresses the immune system making a person susceptible to acquiring infection, and even help fight cancer.
Sleep is definitely important for a person’s well-being. A good tip is to schedule your activities properly so that you can make time to get enough sleep and rest.