Sleep is Just as Important as Diet and Exercise
People are always discussing, what is the best thing you can do for your body? Eating right and exercise seem to be at the top of peoples lists for having a healthy body. Recent studies show that sleep is also very important in being healthy. There are several body functions that are disturbed when you’re not getting enough sleep. This ranges from neuropsychiatric disruptions to general cardiovascular function and even insulin resistance.
Sleep deprivation can disrupt normal brain function and lead to short term memory loss, anxiety and even depression. While you sleep, heart rate, blood pressure, adrenaline and platelet function slow down. Disrupting this slowdown can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots. Sleep is important so your body has a chance to recover and recuperate from all the stresses you incur during the day.
During the deepest part of your sleep the body releases cortisol. Cortisol regulates the immune system and plays vital a role in glucose regulation. If you don’t give your body the chance to release enough cortisol you will run the risk of diabetes and a poor immune system. What a great way to prevent getting the common cold or the flu by boosting your immune system with sleep.
During deep sleep, your body also releases leptin. Leptin plays a significant role in suppressing appetite. If you sleep less you tend to have more snacks and meals when you shouldn’t. The deprivation of leptin increases your risk of obesity and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes and for women it can cause fertility problems. A common symptom in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is due to insulin resistance.
As you can see sleep is very important. Do you find yourself fatigued, falling asleep involuntarily, or waking up at night? These are indications that you are not getting enough sleep. Do your body a favor and be sure to get seven to eight hours of restful sleep every night.
Tags: fertility, immune system, insulin resistance, obesity, ovary syndrome pcos, PCOS, sleep deprivation
