As we sleep, our bodies undergo a series of changes that affect our physiology in a variety of ways. Here are a most important factors you should know about how sleeping affects your body:
1. Your brain is hard at work.
While you might think of sleep as a time for your brain to simply shut down, the opposite is actually true. During sleep, your brain is hard at work, consolidating memories, washing away toxins, and refreshing neural pathways. Without enough restful sleep, your brain can’t function at its best.
2. Your hormones are balanced.
During sleep, your body produces hormones that help to regulate everything from your appetite to your mood. When you don’t get enough sleep, these hormones can become imbalanced, leading to feelings of hunger or irritability.
3. Your cells undergo repair.
While you’re sleeping, your body undergoes a process of cellular repair that helps to keep your tissues and organs healthy. Without enough rest, your body can’t repair itself as effectively, leading to a range of health problems.
4. Your immune system is strengthened.
Sleep is critical for a strong immune system. Studies have shown that people who get less than six hours of sleep per night are more likely to catch a cold or come down with the flu than people who get more sleep.
5. Your metabolism is regulated.
Sleep plays an important role in regulating your metabolism. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body’s processing of glucose and insulin can become disrupted, leading to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
So if you’re looking to improve your overall health and wellbeing, getting better sleep is an excellent place to start. Whether it means prioritizing restful sleep over late-night screen time or making your bedroom more conducive to rest, putting in the effort to get a good night’s rest can make a big difference in your overall health and wellbeing. That’s what I teach to each of my patients first and foremost during our Holistic Health Coaching or Online Coaching. So start sleeping better today and feel the difference in your overall health and productivity!
Yours in Health,
Gábor