We’ve all had those days when deadlines are looming so we resort to using every minute to finish the task at hand. We take very few if any breaks, squeezing every minute for what it’s worth. Sleep is relegated to the back burner. At the end there’s a rush of triumph- but we can’t really enjoy it because we now feel like zombies. At the earliest chance we rush to bed for a sleep marathon.
You may wear pulling all-nighters as a badge of honour, but sleep deprivation is detrimental to your health. Sleep has a direct effect on the immune system, learning, memory and metabolism.
When you’re groggy, grasping new concepts is an uphill task. Your mind is not alert. Snoozing helps you retain information after learning something new. During sleep you’r e more likely to strengthen memories and reinforce skills learnt while awake.
Getting enough rest boosts your mood. When you’re extremely tired, you become cranky and snap easily at others. Endorphins (feel-good hormones) are at an all time low leaving you on the edge.
One preliminary study showed that people who get 7-8 hours of sleep are 3 times less likely to catch a common cold as compared to those who slept less. More research is still needed in linking rest with improved immunity, but enough sleep is always good for you.
After a good nights’ rest your brain feels refreshed. You’re able to think clearly and your attention is in top gear. If you find yourself misplacing items or forgetting things you do regularly, it might be time to improve your sleep quality.
Exhausted people are less likely to stick to their exercise regimen. You’ll most likely find yourself laid out on the sofa catching up on a movie while eating snacks to relax. However, when you’re well rested you will be pumped up about working out. Getting enough rest could help you with your weight loss/ maintenance goals.
When groggy you are more prone to accidents. Sleeplessness affects reaction time and decision making, leading to numerous road accidents. Just one restless night can hamper your driving ability in a manner similar to an alcoholic drink.
