We discussed the effects of yoga and diet in the overall well-being in my previous posts. Sleep is another factor and probably one of the most underrated factors when it comes to a healthy lifestyle; and it is often one of the first things to go when people feel pressed for time. A good night’s sleep is vital to our physical and emotional well-being. That’s why the benefits of good sleep should never be underestimated and getting a proper rest on a regular basis isn’t just a good idea, it’s an essential one.
Studies show that good sleep can help you eat less, lose weight, exercise better, and be healthier. On the contrary, science has linked poor sleep with a number of health problems, from weight gain to a weakened immune system.
Considering all the benefits, sleep may be the closest thing to a fountain of youth. Getting enough sleep will give you a glowing face and you will notice its magical effects on your skin immediately.
When you sleep, your skin makes new collagen and skin cells regenerate more quickly. Your skin also goes from protection mode to repair mode. So when you cut back on sleep, you are slowing down the collagen production and cell regeneration and reducing the amount of time your skin has to repair from daily assaults. This can affect the overall health of your skin and it can contribute to the appearance of signs of aging; so remember not to cut your beauty sleep short.
Did you know that getting 5 hours a night sleep can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 hours would? Try to include 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night in your beauty routine.
“Insufficient sleep has also been linked to many other diseases and is considered an important risk factor. Most experts have concluded that getting enough high-quality sleep may be as important to health and well-being as nutrition and exercise,” says Harvard Health.
This study shows that sleep improves memory, and sleep deprivation and sleep disruptions cause severe cognitive and emotional problems. Sleep deprivation makes us moody and irritable, and impairs brain functions such as memory, innovative thinking and flexible decision-making. It also negatively impacts the rest of the body – it impairs the functioning of the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and disease.
In my next blog post, I will share some simple steps to improving your sleep at night!
Stay Tuned!
