We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is extremely beneficial, but if you have ever found yourself wondering “why is sleep so important?” - then simply read on! At AIM for Wellbeing, we work to provide all of the needed information for our customers to prioritize their health, which is why we are covering some of the main reasons why sleep is so important, from its role in maintaining your body’s immune system, to its links to memory, and lots more. Let’s go ahead and dive in to answer the question - “why is sleep so important?”
Promotes Good Immune Health
One of the top reasons why sleep is important is that certain key functions of our bodies’ immune systems work at their best while we are asleep. From the production of cytokines that target inflammation, to the release of white blood cells that work to combat germs, our immune systems do a lot while we sleep. That is why you are more likely to get sick if you are not getting sufficient amounts of sleep, as well as why sleeping more than usual while sick can be helpful. Give your body the immune boost it needs by prioritizing your sleep!
Supports Stable Mood
Another of the reasons why sleep is important is that it helps to promote a more stable mood and better mental health. When you do not get enough rest, you are more likely to experience feelings of irritability and rapid changes in mood. Additionally, when you are experiencing negative feelings such as anxiety and stress, it can become harder to fall asleep, which leads to a cycle of negative moods and lack of sleep. If you often find yourself struggling to fall asleep, try some calming strategies like journaling before bed, or breathing exercises.
Assists with Memory
Sleep also assists with memory, which is yet another of the reasons why it is important. While you are asleep, your brain processes memories and strengthens neural connections, which can allow for better recollection of events, as well as improved problem-solving. When you do not get enough sleep, these neural connections are not as strong, which can lead to forgetfulness.
Benefits the Heart
When you are asleep, your heart rate and blood pressure both drop as a result of a regular breathing pattern, which reduces the overall stress on your heart for a period of time. This gives your body valuable time to repair itself in ways that cannot occur while you are awake. When you do not get enough sleep, your body is deprived of this helpful repair time, which can increase the risk of issues such as heart disease.
Now that you have found out the answers to the question “why is sleep so important?” you know a bit more about why it is so crucial to prioritize good sleep habits. You can learn about some of the best ways to improve your sleep quality right here on our website, allowing you to get the good night’s rest that you deserve and that your body needs!
