Sleep: it’s the most underrated yet critical part our lives. There are many reasons why experts say we need around 8 hours sleep per night. The idea that going to bed late and waking up early is a heroic way to live is plain wrong. Check out some of the most famous motivational blogs – they’ll all go on about surviving on 5 hours sleep a night. Survival is the wrong word. According to the latest scientific theories, the owners of those blogs are killing themselves slowly.
How Sleep Deprivation Affects Your Health
The negative impact of too little sleep hits both your mental and physical health. Studies show that you’re at risk of falling prey to some serious medical problems. Diabetes, obesity and heart disease being the big three.
Furthermore, mental challenges like depression and anxiety can sneak into your life if you don’t get your 8 hours in. If that doesn’t shake you into action, listen to this. People who don’t get the right amount of good quality sleep lose interest in sex.
Yes, 5 hours kip a night lowers your libido. If you’re thinking well, I’ll catch up on my sleep at the weekend – you’re dead wrong. Because sleeping isn’t like driving a car, you can’t top up your sleep tank when the needle points to empty. It must be regular, every night of the week. However, it’s not all bad news. Getting the right amount of sleep has the opposite effect on your health and wellbeing.
Getting Enough Sleep Can Reduce Your Chances of Serious Illness
Regular, consistent sleep (over 7 hours a night) can reduce your chances of heart disease, diabetes and yes it can help you lose weight. However, that doesn’t mean you can skip regular exercise, it doesn’t work like that. Sleeping well can boost your immune system and your mental health. Here’s the really good news – it can increase your sex drive!
It’s time to stop burning the candle at both ends. Get yourself into a routine of sleeping 8 hours a night. Your mind, body and significant other will thank you for it.