Why You Need to Make Sleep a Priority
By Virginia Laird
Do you ever wonder why it is recommended that you need so much sleep? I mean, there is a lot to be done, especially if you are a parent of young children. In the evening, after you put your children to bed can prove to be the best time to get the most housework done without constant interruption. Health and wellness experts advise, while it can be tempting to burn the midnight oil checking items off the list of to-dos, it is best to get some sleep. A few reasons you need to prioritize sleep include:
- Sleep can help keep you well
- Getting enough sleep helps the body to function
- Prioritizing sleep can help keep you mentally healthy
Sleep Can Help Keep You Well
The body uses the time that you sleep to fight off illness and infections. When there is a lack of sleep, the body may struggle to stay healthy. Health and wellness experts suggest that those who fall short of the suggested amount of snooze time may land themselves in the doctor office more frequently. Research suggests that those who suffer with diabetes, heart disease, and other illness have typically struggled to get enough sleep.
Getting Enough Sleep Helps the Body to Function
Another benefit of getting enough rest is the body’s ability to maintain a healthy metabolism. This function helps to maintain weight, energy levels, and much more. Without sleep, it can be difficult for the body to keep this function at its best levels.
Prioritizing Sleep Can Help Keep You Mentally Healthy
With mental health issues on the rise, it is increasingly necessary to make sleep a priority. Health and wellness experts suggest that many who struggle with mental illness also suffer with a lack of sleep (for a variety of reasons). Research suggests that a lack of sleep can cloud the thought process which can lead to making irrational decisions. If you are one who struggles to remain in good mental health, it may be time to find a way to get a few more hours of sleep.
Sleep experts have suggested a few things to help you get more sleep including:
- Have a bedtime
- Find time daily to exercise
- Make time to meditate before bed
Sleep experts suggest that the average adult should get at least six hours of sleep. However, many require much more. Check out this chart for recommendations of amounts of sleep for every age.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richmond, Va.