Health Benefits of Sleep

 

Omodele Goodness

Being a college student is a big deal. Oftentimes, we get occupied with academic activities and extracurricular activities, making it difficult to have adequate sleep. Understandably, we want to get things done properly and at the right time, but sacrificing sleep is not the best way to get things done.

Sleep is part of life. It is essential for a healthy and productive life. Sleep should never be considered a waste of time, for it has a role to play in your health. Sleep deprivation can endanger your health in the long run.

One of the amazing benefits of sleep is that it helps to form and retain new memories. Studies have shown that sleep helps in the consolidation of new memories introduced to the brain during the day. This consolidation takes place during the deep stages of sleep. The brain helps to reorganize these memories when you are asleep, making it easy for retrieval when needed.

Another benefit of sleep is that it helps improve concentration. Poor concentration in class can be associated with a lack of sleep. Lack of sleep denies the brain the time to recuperate, as a result,  the cells in the brain called neurons become overworked; making it difficult to take in new information. Sleep helps in other mental aspects such as problem-solving, creativity,  emotional processing, and judgment.

Adequate sleep strengthens the immune system. Research has shown that people who sleep less than seven hours are more likely to get cold than those who sleep for eight hours. When we sleep, our bodies produce cytokines, which target infection thereby creating an immune response.

One importance of good sleep you probably have no idea of is its benefit. Stress is revealed on the skin but good sleep helps to fight stress which is important for having radiant skin.

Sleep helps to maintain a healthy weight. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of being obese, for there's a craving to indulge in heavy night eating. It is therefore essential to get adequate sleep to maintain a healthy weight.

Interestingly, sleep helps our relationship. Adequate sleep improves our mood, which is essential to maintain a good relationship with people. 

It is important to get up to 7- 9 hours a day for a healthy lifestyle. In case of difficulty in falling asleep at night, here are some things you can try:

• Put the lights out.

• Have a simple night routine.

• Don't use screen devices 1 hour before bedtime

• Use your bed for nothing but sleep.