Sleep- how important is it?
- Isha Nandipati
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
We all have a general idea that is important and helps us function in so many ways, yet so many people still sacrifice sleep to do something else. If so many give up sleep for other things, how important really is it?
Benefits of sleep
Getting a good nights sleep can help you in so many ways. Especially deep and REM sleep. While you sleep, your brain organizes memories, your body repairs itself, and your immune system gets stronger. Not only that but good sleep helps you while your awake too. It helps you stay focused in class, think more clearly, and keep your mood steady. Plus, people who regularly get 7–9 hours of sleep have lower risks of problems like weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Overall sleeping enough is an amazing habit.
Not Sleeping Enough
So many people don't sleep enough and this only results to bad things. Not getting enough sleep can seriously mess with your mind and body. When you’re sleep-deprived, it becomes harder to focus in class, remember information, or make good decisions. Lack of sleep can also lead you to feel more stressed, irritable, or anxious. Physically, poor sleep affects your immune system, making you more likely to get sick, and disrupts hormones that control hunger and metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Also for teenagers, not getting enough sleep can lead to stunted growth because they are still in the developing phase. Some long term effects includes the risk of major health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Therefore not sleeping enough leads to serious health problems, not just feeling tired.
Healthy Sleep Habits
Now that you know the importance of sleep, here are some ways to get more sleep. One way is having a set sleep schedule. This is hard to do but the more consistent you are with when you sleep, the better you will sleep. Your body knows when to sleep and you will get enough sleep overall. Some easier changes include getting off your phone 30 minutes to an hour before bed, exercising throughout the day, and not drinking caffeine in the afternoon. The recommended hours for teens is 8-10 hours because they are still developing, so try your best to get that much consistently.
Overall sleep is a very important for functioning throughout the day and for your body to develop and grow. Your body needs sleep to work and it can't function without it. It's more important than you think and it is important to prioritize it. So next time you want to stay up late, remember how important sleep is!
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