Sleep Tight: Reasons Why Sleep is Important

Do you have a nighttime routine? Some people take time to think about their day and journal. Others need a moment to decompress and meditate or listen to a sound machine in order to get their mindset in place for sleep. Most perform some sort of hygiene ritual, like washing faces and brushing teeth. Every person’s routine is different, but the important thing is to prepare our bodies and minds for rest, something that is essential to wellbeing.

Restful sleep is vital to health, no matter your age. Contrary to popular opinion, seniors don’t need less sleep than the average person — in fact, all adults need about seven to nine hours a night. In this post, we at Springpoint explore just a few health benefits of getting enough sleep.

7 Health Benefits of Good Sleep

1. Influences Heart Health: The Centers for Disease Control reports that lack of sleep can lead to heart health problems like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, which raises the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Keeping in mind that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, a focus on heart heath is vitally important — and one way of achieving this is simply to get the recommended amount of sleep.
2. Helps Maintain Weight: Getting enough sleep is key to supporting a healthy weight. Along with making better food choices, studies have found that sufficient sleep keeps your levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, at a reasonable level.
3. Enhances Your Immune System: While getting more sleep won’t necessarily prevent sickness, not getting enough can adversely affect your immune system function. Research shows that not getting enough sleep over a period of time stresses the body, resulting in chronic inflammation and a weakened defense against illness. Your body needs consistent, quality time to rest in order to refresh your immune system and prevent disease.
4. Inhibits Growth of Cancer Cells: It’s true — sleep may help prevent the growth of certain cancer cells. This is due to the hormone melatonin, which is what regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is released during periods of darkness. Research tells us, “To combat cancer, studies have shown that melatonin significantly suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis.”
5. Improves Concentration and Memory: Ample sleep makes for a sharper mind. It’s proven that sleep deprivation impairs attention and working memory, as well as long-term memory and decision-making. Getting enough sleep is just one way to contribute to a healthy and active brain.
6. Enhances Social Relationships: Studies have found that poor sleep affects your ability to process emotional information and recognize important social cues when interacting with others. Plus, rather than sluggishly coasting through the day, adequate sleep allows you to fully engage in the community and feel motivated to participate in activities.
7. Keeps You Happy: More sleep results in a happier you. Rather than sluggishly coasting through only what is necessary for you to do in a day, you have the energy to fully engage in the community. Feeling refreshed and well-rested helps you socialize and motivates you to participate in activities, allowing you to actively involve yourself in the things that you love the most.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep at Springpoint

At Springpoint Life Plan communities, our continuum of care addresses all aspects of wellbeing. Take advantage of you relaxing amenities and sleep soundly knowing that with our maintenance-free living, everything you need is taken care of for you. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your personal tour.