Sleep is an extremely important component to your overall health. You put in long hours at the office, at the gym, with school, your kids/family, and all that hard work requires getting adequate rest, to take care of yourself.
According to helpguide.org, “while you rest, your brain stays busy, overseeing biological maintenance that keeps your body running in top condition, preparing you for the day ahead.” You need to let yourself rest to be able to perform your best, your highest, your greatest each and every day.
Another important aspect of sleep is not necessarily the amount of hours you are getting, although it is important to get enough, it is more important the quality of sleep you are getting. Deep sleem and REM sleep are important to achieving quality sleep that will help you feel rested and rejuvenated the next day. Distraction like noise and light disrupt this deep sleep and can leave you feeling fatigued the next day.
Being sleep deprived can effect more of your day than you think. If effects your mood, your decision making, emotional coping, your immune system, even skin aging, but also it can effect your waistline. In the article listed above, it says, “ever noticed how when you’re short on sleep you crave sugary foods that give you a quick energy boost? There’s a good reason for that. Sleep deprivation has a direct link to overeating and weight gain.
There are two hormones in your body that regulate normal feelings of hunger and fullness. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, while leptin sends signals to the brain when you are full. However, when you don’t get the sleep you need, your ghrelin levels go up, stimulating your appetite so you want more food than normal, and your leptin levels go down, meaning you don’t feel satisfied and want to keep eating. So, the more sleep you lose, the more food your body will crave.”
So take the time for yourself, take time to get the rest you need, go get some GREAT sleep!