22/03/23 The Importance of Sleep
Today staff and students used Sunshine Day to look at the importance of sleep, and how it can affect our mental and physical wellbeing.
We played Bedtime Bingo and discussed reasons as to why sleep is so important. Here are a few of them:
Sleep boosts the immune system
Our immune system is the first to be affected when we don’t get enough sleep. “People who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. Long-term lack of sleep also increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.”
Sleep helps to improve memory
“Healthy sleep puts us in the right state of mind to take in information as we go about the day. Not only that. We need a good night’s sleep to process and retain that information over the long term. Sleep actually triggers changes in the brain that solidify memories—strengthening connections between brain cells and transferring information from one brain region to another.
Sleep helps with weight management
Some people think that lack of sleep will make you lose weight. But actually, the opposite may be true. Lack of sleep may make you look haggard and frail, but oftentimes, it leads to weight gain.
“In one study, recurrent sleep deprivation in men increased their preferences for high-calorie foods and their overall calorie intake. In another study, women who slept less than six hours a night or more than nine hours were more likely to gain 11 pounds (5 kilograms) compared with women who slept seven hours a night. Other studies have found similar patterns in children and adolescents.
“One explanation might be that sleep duration affects hormones regulating hunger — ghrelin and leptin — and stimulates the appetite. Another contributing factor might be that lack of sleep leads to fatigue and results in less physical activity.”
Sleep helps you to stay mentally and emotionally fit
Sleep helps your brain to rest and prepare itself for the next day. It helps you stay active, pay attention, make decisions, and be creative. Insufficient sleep can lead to depression, suicide symptoms, and other risk-taking behaviour. Such people can lack self-motivation, get mood swings, and sometimes can become angry and impulsive.
Sleep makes you happier
Sleep is oftentimes associated with our mood. Lack of sleep often results in a terrible mood. It can ruin your whole day. Studies show that people who have enough sleep tend to be happier and have fewer problems with depression and anxiety.
In addition, since having enough sleep restores your energy, you will be refreshed as soon as you wake up and will experience a happier and better day.
