The importance of sleep

Sleep is important as it forms an important part of a person’s health.

When a person deprives themselves of sleep, it can alter their mood and can affect memory and focus.

Adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep each night to function at their best.

One way to determine how much sleep a person needs is to go to bed, do not set an alarm and check the time when you wake of your own accord.

Not getting enough sleep, or sleep deprivation, affects a person’s ability to learn and can even affect the metabolism and appetite.

Sleep can be though of as a restorative process for the body.

During sleep, the hormones that influence the metabolism and appetite are regulated. When one does not get enough sleep, the body’s ability to stabilise the hormones and metabolism is hindered. The body produces less Leptin, ‘the I am full’ hormone and more Ghrelin, ‘the I am hungry’ hormone.

The National Sleep Foundation provides seven helpful tips for one to improve their sleep patterns:

•  Stick to a schedule.
•  Establish a bedtime routine.
•  Create a relaxing environment.
•  Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.
•  Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before bed.
•  Do not exercise right before bed.
•  Make time for sleep.

Information provided by Curves Edenvale.