World Sleep Day 2018: The Health Benefits of a Good Nap

As kids we often shunned our mothers when they put us to bed for catnaps in the afternoon or would force us to sleep early in the night. How we all loathed the idea of sleep because as children all we wanted to do was play or watch our favourite cartoons. It’s funny how the primary factor that would put us to sleep instantly was the thought of studies. But today, if you ask any adult or a working professional what is that one thing they would want to do at any time of the hour? The sure shot answer would be to sleep. Now we desperately wait for weekends to approach so we can catch up on all the sleep that has been compromised due to factors like work, stress, taking care of kids and more. Intentionally or unintentionally, our sleep is compromised due to our hectic schedules. Adequate sleep is imperative as it affects are health positively in many ways.

 This World Sleep Day, learn about health benefits of sleep.

Improves memory

Do you often feel forgetful? Lack of sleep could be one the reasons to be blamed. While we are busy snoozing, our brains are busy. When we sleep our brains process and consolidate memories from the day. If you do not get adequate amount of sleep, those memories might not get stored correctly and in the process can be lost. Research also suggests that sleep decreases the chances of developing false memories. So, if you are learning a foreign language, you’ll memorise it better after sleeping.

Curbs inflammation

Inflammation is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and premature ageing. Too much or too little sleep also appears to be associated with inflammation. Getting less than 7 to 8 hours of sleep can increase levels of inflammatory markers in the blood like C-reactive protein (CRP). This has been linked to chronic diseases like heart problems, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Hence, to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and to curb inflammation, it is important to have a healthy sleep cycle.

Builds stronger immunity

According to a research, people who got 7 to 8 hours or more sleep are three times less likely to fall sick than people who got 6 hours or less. Our immune system is closely related to sleep as certain disease-fighting substances are released or created while we sleep. Therefore, sleep deprivation decreases the availability of these substances making us susceptible to viruses and bacteria we encounter. This can cause us to be sick for longer periods of time as our body will lack resources to fight efficiently.

Mental & physical well-being

After a single sleepless night, we tend to wake up irritable, cranky, moody and fatigued the entire day. Chronic sleep deprivation may lead to long-term mood disorders like depression and anxiety. A good night’s sleep will help reduce stress and anxiety. Less sleep is also associated with putting on weight. Studies claim that sleep-deprived people have reduced levels of leptin (chemical that makes you feel full) and increased levels of ghrelin (the hunger-stimulating hormone). This means that a person will be at higher risk of becoming obese.

These factors are an additional reason for you to catch up on sleep if you want to stay healthy. Let’s not compromise on sleep as it will determine how your day goes at work, home or dealing with people. Relying on caffeine or energy drinks will only keep you temporarily boosted. To avoid drastic side-effects on your health, go on and get that required amount of slumber.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 12, 2018 06:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).