It’s just one of those nights. You just can’t get to sleep. Your neighbors are blasting their music, the ice machine in your kitchen fridge keeps dropping new ice like an avalanche and there’s a stray cat crying outside your window. Help.
You just know the next day is going to be rough. Very rough. But it’s more than just one day that’s going to be affected – sleepless nights are bad for your long-term wellness. From packing on weight to affecting your mood, a night without adequate sleep has long-term negative impacts.
But by getting a good night’s sleep – between 7 and 9 hours – you’ll not only look better, you’ll be healthier.
Here are the top 5 ways sleep affects you:
Weight – Lack of sleep actually slows down your metabolism, which in turn, makes you gain weight. Get a good night’s sleep and your waistline will thank you.
Concentration – Just missing a few hours of your regular rest will make everything you do the next day seem harder. To be at the top of your game all day, make sure you get to bed early.
Appearance – To avoid dark circles under your eyes and have a better skin tone, you need adequate sleep. Getting regular shut-eye actually makes you look healthier and more attractive.
Immunity – A lack of sleep negatively impacts your immune system. Sleeping less than 7 hours actually has been proven to increase the risk of catching whatever bug is going around. Sleeping 8 or more hours can keep you healthy and well.
Longevity – Not getting enough sleep can shorten your life. Research has shown that those who slept less than 8 hours per night had a higher risk of dying early compared to those who got a full night of sleep. Now that’s a serious impact of sleep loss.
Here are 5 tips to getting a good night’s sleep:
Stick to a sleep schedule – Go to bed and get up the same time every day. Including weekends.
Be careful of what you eat or drink in the evening – Don’t eat too much or not enough before bed. Also, caffeine and alcohol affect your sleep.
Get physical – Make sure you get adequate exercise, but not too close to bedtime.
Create a bedtime ritual – Whether it’s taking a warm shower or dimming the lights, get into a bedtime routine to help you relax.
Get comfortable – Make your bedroom a quiet respite for sleep. Close the drapes and turn off the television.
Spending a third of your life snoring away may seem like a waste of time, but it’s an investment. Actually, a valuable investment in your long-term health. Now that’s something to sleep on.
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