Sleeping heals

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.” - Irish Proverb

Can lack of sleep make you sick? You bet. When it comes to building a strong immunity, sleep plays a vital role in keeping us healthy. Experts suggest that when we sleep, our body goes through a number of processes including energy conservation, repair and growth. Don’t get enough sleep and our health risks increases.

Weakened Immunity

Sleep is a restorative activity. When we sleep, our brain starts to catalogue information and intelligently decides what needs repairing. Sleeping also heals our blood vessels and heart. Even one night of missed sleep can trigger the cellular pathway that produces tissue-damaging inflammation. Most chronic diseases such as asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with inflammation. Sleeping less than five hours a night also increases our risk for high blood pressure.

Mood Swings

Pulled an all-nighter? Chances are you will feel groggy and grumpy the next day. Lack of sleep leaves your brain exhausted and can significantly impact our mental ability and emotional state. Chronic sleep deprivation compromises our ability to make sound decisions as well as lead to more serious issues such as anxiety and depression.

Lack of Concentration

Not surprisingly, sleep also affects brain function. A healthy amount of sleep is critical for the brain’s ability to process information effectively. Too little sleep and we are unable to process what we have learned during the day. Studies have shown that during sleep, the healing process includes restoring the brain’s chemical balance to help memory retention and to help our brain forge new connections.

Proper sleep is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. So the next time you are feeling unwell, the best thing you can do for your body is to curl under the blanket and get a good night’s sleep.