The Top 5 Reasons You Should Be Getting More Sleep

There’s a reason we ask all our new clients to rate their sleeping habits, and it’s not because we’re being nosy! Sleep is very important for brain function and plays a big role in both your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can cause problems with decision making, problem solving, and controlling your emotions, so it can have a big effect on you and those around you. If you think that lack of sleep is something you struggle with, then read on to find out just how important it is to make sure you catch all those ZZZ’s.

1. Poor sleep is linked to obesity.

Poor sleeping habits is one of the biggest risk factors for obesity, in both adults and children. Lack of sleep can affect hormone levels, in particular the ones that control your appetite. It leads to increased levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, and reduced levels of leptin, the hormone responsible for suppressing your appetite.

2. Sleep helps improve concentration and productivity.

Sleep is important for brain function in various ways. Good sleeping habits have been shown to improve problem solving skills, enhance memory performance, and increase concentration and productivity. In fact, studies have even shown that reduced sleep can impair brain function to a similar degree as alcohol intoxication.

3. Lack of sleep increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Studies have found strong links between sleep quality and duration and many of the health risk factors that drive chronic diseases. This means that if you're not getting a good 7-8 hours sleep each night, you're putting yourself at greater risk of developing one of these serious health conditions.

4. Inadequate sleep reduces insulin sensitivity.

Studies have shown that getting less than 6 hours of sleep at night can cause symptoms of prediabetes as glucose metabolism is disrupted, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

5. Sleep can affect your mental health.

Strong links have been found between mental health disorders, such as depression, and poor sleep quality. People with insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea have reported significantly higher rates of depression than those without sleeping disorders. Sleep deficiency has also been linked to increased rates of suicide and risk taking behaviours.

These are just 5 of the reasons why sleep is so important to us and why we should spend ⅓ of our life doing it! If you want to know more about how your sleep can affect your health, why not book in with us for a full consultation and our team of clinicians will help you understand the benefits of good nights sleep!