The “8 Hour” Phenomenon
By Mary Skobieranda
There have been quite a few occasions where I find myself feeling strangely off, just to remember that I haven’t gotten a full night’s sleep. When we take a look at the different components of living a healthy lifestyle, getting proper sleep is often not fully considered or just mentioned as a last resort that comes after proper nutrition and exercise. I am a huge proponent of the benefits of getting a great night of shut-eye. Here are a few of the lesser recognized advantages of prioritizing sleep in your life:
Mood improvement
When you aren’t getting enough sleep, it’s easy to feel a bit cranky on top of the lack of energy. Small daily obstacles can have more of an effect on your mood, and tasks can seem way more daunting. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can contribute to many different negative mood states such as frustration and irritability.
Memory aid
Sleep helps in both learning and memory. To a certain extent, staying up all night might not be as beneficial as closing the books and getting a few hours of rest. Research has demonstrated that the consolidation of memories occurs during sleep, and the formation of strong neural connections facilitates this process. Adequate sleep also further enhances productivity and attention span the next day!
Immunity boost
If you’re finding yourself consistently sniffling or down with some type of mystery illness, consider how your sleeping habits might be contributing to this. Getting enough sleep is shown to make you less likely to fall victim to sicknesses like the common cold.
Increased athletic performance
It’s not a surprise that sleep, which provides us with energy, also contributes to our ability to perform well at the gym or in other athletic abilities. If you let your body rest during the night, this will reward your ability to engage in rigorous physical activity and you might find yourself feeling better coordinated and faster while you exercise.
The need for sleep can vary somewhat dramatically from individual to individual. Typically, adults will need somewhere close to 7 or 8 hours of sleep. However, you know your body and can likely recognize when a lack of sleep is contributing to your well-being or lack thereof. Trust your instincts when you feel like it’s time to rest, and reward yourself with the many restorative benefits of a great night’s sleep!
