When it comes to sleep recommendations, it is advised that we get between seven to nine hours of sleep. Sleep is an important part of maintaining overall good health, as it helps grow muscle, repair tissue, synthesize hormones, maintain a healthy weight, and improve memory.
It’s hard to get enough sleep nowadays, and unfortunately, many of us aren’t. This means we wake up tired, groggy, and our health may also be taking a hit. Even if you are getting seven to nine hours a night, is this enough? What if you get less than seven hours, is this enough? Your body has a way of letting you know whether your sleep habits are good enough for you.
4 Ways Your Body Reveals If You Need More Sleep
Advertisement
You catch colds and flu easily: When cold and flu season begins, are you the first to catch it? If so, this is a sign that you are not getting enough sleep. Sleep helps maintain a healthy immune system, but when you don’t sleep enough, your immune system can become weaker. So, you are more prone to catching colds and flu.
High blood pressure: If you are having difficulties reducing your blood pressure regardless if you have made the appropriate lifestyle changes, lack of sleep could be the cause. Not only does sleep deprivation lead to high blood pressure, but it can worsen already existing hypertension. This is because sleep regulates stress hormones, and without proper sleep, stress hormones can remain high and contribute to hypertension.
Poor skin health: Not getting enough sleep can make you look years older as it causes your skin to age faster. This is because your body produces more stress hormones, which can trigger inflammation. Inflammation speeds up the breakdown of collagen, which is what makes skin look youthful and tight.
Weight gain: Having problems shedding a few pounds? Then start improving your sleep. Studies have shown sleep can improve metabolic function. When metabolic function is poor, it contributes to weight gain. Therefore, the easiest way to start losing weight is to sleep more.
If you experience these four signs of sleep deprivation, then you will want to start improving your sleep in order to improve your overall health.
Advertisement
Related:
Sleep deprivation leads to weakened immune system: Study
Essential oils for sleep: 13 ways to get the best sleep ever
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
