You might not realize it, but while you're sleeping, your body is working hard to keep you healthy, alert, and functioning. With an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffering from sleep disorders, it's helpful to understand the physiological and psychological benefits of getting a good night's sleep. Here are some of the amazing things your body does when you're sleeping.
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Things Your Body Does When You Sleep
Sleep is far from a passive state. During your restful hours, your body is using this time to repair, restore, and improve your physical and mental health. From tissue repair to hormone production and beyond, sleep is an essential weapon in your arsenal for optimal well-being.
Hormone Production
Sleep is the ideal time for your body to produce hormones that are essential to normal functioning. The growth hormone, for instance, is released by the pituitary gland in a pattern that corresponds to your sleep cycle. These hormones help to repair any injury and facilitate the growth and development of bones, muscles, and other body tissues.
Weight Maintenance
When you sleep, the hunger hormone, ghrelin, decreases, which helps regulate your hunger hormones for the next day.
Sleep is one of the most important factors in weight management. Recent research shows that sleep deprivation of even just five consecutive nights can be linked to an increased risk of obesity.
Brain Restoration
Sleep helps the brain to repair itself, cleaning out waste products and consolidating memories. It helps to keep your brain healthy and functioning optimally. Research has shown that people who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation are more likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
During deep sleep, the brain undergoes a process called glymphatic clearance, where toxins and waste products accumulated during wakefulness are removed, allowing for the restoration of brain tissue. This process is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of the brain, as it helps to prevent the buildup of harmful substances that can potentially contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
Immune System Improvements
Getting enough restful sleep helps to strengthen your immune system and improve your body's ability to fight off illnesses and infections. This can be especially beneficial for people with weakened immune systems due to chronic health issues.
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
The amount of sleep needed can vary from person to person, but on average, adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, according to the American Heart Association.
However, according to a 2023 study, sleep quality may be more important than sleep duration when it comes to quality of life improvements. According to the CDC, you can improve sleep quality by making sure your bedroom is dark, sleeping on a comfortable bed, exercising during the day, avoiding large meals before bedtime, and removing electronic devices from the bedroom.
It's clear that getting enough sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being. Investing in a quality mattress from Land of Sleep is one way to help you get the restful nights you need, so you can make the most of your days and benefit from the amazing things your body does while you sleep. Come to one of our stores in Sarasota or Venice, FL, to browse our extensive mattress selection, or contact us today to learn more.
