10 Reasons Why Good Sleep Is Important

1. Poor sleep can make you fat!

Short sleep duration is associated with a drastically increased risk of weight gain and obesity, in both children and adults.

2. Good Sleepers Tend to Eat Fewer Calories

Poor sleep affects hormones that regulate appetite. Those who get adequate sleep tend to eat fewer calories than those who don't.

3. Good Sleep Can Improve Concentration and Productivity

Good sleep can maximize problem-solving skills and enhance memory. Poor sleep has been shown to impair brain function.

4. Good Sleep Can Maximize Athletic Performance

Longer sleep has been shown to improve many aspects of athletic and physical performance.

5. Poor Sleepers Have a Greater Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Sleeping less than 7–8 hours per night is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

6. Sleep Affects Glucose Metabolism and Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Sleep deprivation can cause prediabetes in healthy adults in as little as six days. Many studies show a strong link between short sleep duration and type 2 diabetes.

7. Poor Sleep Is Linked to Depression

Poor sleeping patterns are strongly linked to depression, particularly for those with a sleeping disorder.

8. Sleep Improves Your Immune Function

Getting at least eight hours of sleep can improve your immune function and help fight the common cold.

9. Poor Sleep Is Linked to Increased Inflammation

Sleep affects your body's inflammatory responses. Poor sleep is strongly linked to inflammatory bowel diseases and can increase your risk of disease recurrence.

10. Sleep Affects Emotions and Social Interactions

Sleep deprivation may reduce your social skills and ability to recognize people’s emotional expressions.

The Bottom Line

Along with nutrition and exercise, good sleep is one of the pillars of health.

You simply cannot achieve optimal health without taking care of your sleep.