Hello Ladies, Recently I researched and read a lot about sleep which has opened new thoughts and insight about ‘sleeping’
For most of us, other commitments seem to take more priority than sleeping. Hope many agree with me.
But we are not aware of the consequences of minimal sleep. It takes a toll on your energy, stress, and mood for the whole day. It doesn’t just stop there. Yes, Ladies !! its consequences are much more than want we think.
Importance Of Sleep For Health
Many of us try to sleep as little as possible. You see, just like exercise and diet, sleep also directly affects mental and physical health. The quality of your sleep increases your mental sharpness, productivity, emotional balance, creativity, physical vitality, and above all your ‘Weight’. No other activity delivers so many benefits with so little effort! And that’s the importance of sleep.
To brief about sleep:
- Non-REM (4 stages)
- REM (Dream stage)
During Non- REM, the stages of sleep are from light to deep sleep (fourth stage). Once you reach deep sleep, REM starts. REM is when you dream. Then REM and Non- REM goes on a cycle.
Deep sleep and REM
The most damaging effects of sleep deprivation are from a night of inadequate deep sleep. Deep sleep is a time when the body repairs itself and builds up energy for the day ahead. It maintains health, stimulates growth and development, repairs muscles and tissue, and most importantly increase your immune system.
Well, REM plays a key role in learning and memory.
Now, what’s “quality sleeping”? It is based on how long you had your deep sleep and REM. (interesting uh !!). To wake up energized and refreshed, getting quality deep sleep is important.
Impact of Sleep on Weight
Quality sleep directly affects certain hormones like leptin and ghrelin. Ghrelin induces appetite and leptin (produced in fat cells) sends signals to the brain saying “Stop eating !! Your stomach is Full” So if your body does produce enough of these hormones, you eat a lot, as no command goes to your brain to stop eating, and hence the appetite is always there. Thus leading to ‘Weight’ gain.
How long to sleep?
As you know, every individual is unique. You need to experiment (trial and error) and find out” how long is comfortable for you.” For me 8-8.5 hrs is sufficient.
Sleep Debt
Cool word (compound) naa ?? Sleep debt !!.. Yes. Ladies. Most of us carry a huge baggage of sleep debt for the weekend. But the researchers say, sleeping extensively during weekends will never clear your sleep debt. Rather you will mess up your sleep routine for the next week, craving more sleep..(I agree !!)
What to have for good sleep
- Say No to coffee and alcohol the nights
- Sugar can also interrupt sleep
- No heavy meals for dinner
- Include fresh fruits. Especially apples and pears
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Limit liquid for/after dinner because you may have to interrupt your sleep for Loo
- Include foods that are rich in calcium and magnesium, as they are self-seductive.
- Include whole wheat, pulses, and oatmeal.
- Use a hypoallergenic mattress protector to ensure your night isn’t interrupted by dust mites, bacteria, or allergens.
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See also, Sleep Better Tonight, Getting Enough Sleep Is Important. Continue reading. >>
