Photo courtesy of Pixaby.com
You Are Getting Sleepy
by Stephanie Nickel
I love it when the clocks “fall back.” For many people this means an extra hour of sleep, but for me, I think, “Fantastic! I get to stay up for an extra hour.”
Studies have shown that we function better if we develop consistent sleep patterns and if we do not stay up late. (I’m sure we all know people who work afternoons and midnights. It’s taxing on them for many reasons.)
While I often get my second wind later in the evening and enjoy checking additional items off my To Do list, I intend to develop better sleeping patterns.
Here are some reasons you may want to consider doing the same:
1. Well-rested bodies fight disease more efficiently. During the cold and flu season that is upon us, that is especially important.
2. A well-rested body means a well-rested mind. The ability to think more clearly and work more efficiently is a huge plus.
3. When we’re tired, things often bother us more easily. It’s no fun to be grumpy and impatient … not for us or the people around us.
4. We’re more inclined to make healthy choices if we’re not overtired. It’s tempting to grab whatever is handy for supper and plop in front of the TV if we’re dragging ourselves around by the end of the day.
5. If we don’t get a good night’s sleep, we won’t likely have the inclination to get up early enough to start our day with a healthy breakfast and exercise.
6. Getting adequate sleep can keep depression at bay.
7. Many of us know what it’s like to drive while we’re sleepy. It’s scary and just plain dangerous. Our reaction time and awareness of our surroundings is much better when we’ve had enough sleep.
8. Not getting enough sleep is also linked to inflammation.
9. Research also shows that getting adequate sleep spurs our creativity.
10. And an interesting fact if you’re trying to lose weight …
“Researchers at the University of Chicago found that dieters who were well rested lost more fat—56% of their weight loss—than those who were sleep deprived, who lost more muscle mass. (They shed similar amounts of total weight regardless of sleep.)”
Tweetable
There are countless reasons to get adequate sleep. (Tweet this)
Check out other posts by Stephanie
What to do when Life Gets in the Way
Steph Beth Nickel is an author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She’d love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog.