One of the biggest misconceptions about success is that you need to sacrifice snoozing in order to get it. Really, the opposite is true as sleep is important! In fact, it’s probably one of the most important factors to becoming the best version of yourself.
Getting enough rest each night is easier said than done though, as studies show that almost a third of Americans get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. So why is sleeping such an important thing to have and how are you supposed to get enough of it? Let’s find out.
Sleep is Important for Health
Not only is sleep important to success, it’s also a step in the direction of better health, and the science is there to back it up. When you sleep, your body is getting a chance to recover and recharge for what’s to come, which is why your immune system is getting a boost every time you get good rest.
A full 8 hours of shuteye every night can also help prevent several types of diseases. Diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even obesity have all been linked to an insufficient amount of sleep. We often think that the more active we are, the healthier our bodies will be, but in this case, having a proper amount of rest can have a significant impact against getting a serious illness and remaining healthy.
The type of sleep you get is also an important factor to your health. If you are restless and snoring throughout the night, you aren’t getting quality sleep hours in. You need REM sleep, or else you won’t be getting the benefits you need.
Sleep is Important for Mental health
Physical health is one benefit of sleep, but did you know that it also has a significant impact on your mental health and mood as well? It’s true, and it’s also why 40% of people who feel depressed also show signs of insomnia.
A lack of sleep can cause stress on the brain, and without that nightly rest, your brain will start to misfire, causing emotional shifts that can make you sad, angry, irritated, or even delusional at times. So, if you want to be a more emotionally healthy person, consistent sleep may be the answer you’re looking for.
In addition to the mental health benefits, sleep can also have a huge influence on that IQ of yours. A well-rested brain will be better able to tackle problem-solving situations. Sleep can prevent memory loss as well as build up brain power to keep the brain functioning at full capacity for years to come.
How do you make your dreams happen?
All the benefits of sleep are great, but they don’t account for much if you can’t actually fall asleep. So how do you make that happen? The first step is to get over the idea that shuteye isn’t essential. Sleep is important, so learn how to prioritize it over other distractions. Having a consistent nightly routine that you stick to will do wonders for your mind and body.
One tip for better nightly routine is to turn off all electronic screens 30 minutes before falling asleep. Put the phones away, turn the television off, and read a book instead. This will lower the stimulation going to your brain and allow it to ease into sleep better than if you stay up late scrolling through social media. At the very least, invest in some blue light blocking glasses to wear.
Still having a hard time achieving good sleep? Sleep supplements like this one give the body a boost of melatonin to promote that quality slumber.
Quit snoozing and get to work.
Nothing can compare to a good night’s rest when it comes to your health, your emotions, and your well-being. There are always going to be reasons why you feel like you should skip sleeping in order to get things done, but you will always pay for it in the long run. Snooze hard now, so that you can work hard later.
A good night’s rest is a great way to practice self-care, but it’s not the only way to do it! Check out our blog, “Intentional Self-Care and Productivity.”
