Good Nights Sleep

Here are ten health reasons for getting a good night's sleep

We all love to get a good night's sleep and now research is proving that it is extremely important to our overall health
and well-being.  When people start to get less than six or seven hours of sleep a night, their risk for developing
diseases begins to increase.

1.  Sleep Helps Your Heart Stay Healthy
Lack of sleep has been linked to higher blood pressure and cholesterol, which in turn are associated with heart disease
and stroke.  Your heart will stay healthier if you get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.

2.Sleep May Prevent Cancer
Lack of sleep has also been linked to the lack of producing a sufficient amount of melatonin in the body.  Light
exposure is one of the causes of a decrease in melatonin production, so those working late night shifts have a higher
risk for cancers such as breast and colon.  Melatonin appears to suppress the growth of tumors so it is very important
to get enough sleep in a dark room.

3.Sleep Reduces Stress
A deficiency in sleep puts the body into a state of stress and that in turn puts the body's functions on high alert
causing the production of stress hormones.  It also leads to higher blood pressure.

4.Sleep Reduces Inflammation
An increase in stress hormones raises the level of inflammation in the body and creates more risk for cancer, heart
disease and diabetes.  It is also thought to be one of the causes for the body to deteriorate as it ages.

5.Sleep Helps Make You Alert
Since getting a good night sleep helps you to feel refreshed.  In turn, it also helps keep your mind much more alert and
energized.

6.Sleep Helps Memory
A process called memory consolidation occurs while you state.  During this time, the brain makes connections between
events, sensory input and feelings.  This is an important time for your brain to make memories and links.  You will
remember and process things better with better quality sleep.

7.Sleep Helps Weight Loss
People who sleep less than seven hours a night are more likely to be overweight.  Researchers believe that lack of sleep
changes the balance of ghrelin and leptin, the hormones responsible for regulating the appetite.

8.Napping Helps Make You Bright
Napping improves memory, cognitive function and mood.  It is a great alternative to caffeine.  It can protect your
health and make you more productive.

9.Sleep May Reduce The Risk Of Depression
Sleep affects chemicals in the body, one of them being serotonin.  If you have a deficiency, you could suffer from
depression.  Getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night is very important to prevent this.

10.Sleep Helps The Body Repair Itself
Sleep allows the body to repair stress, ultraviolet ray and other exposure damage.  While you sleep, your cells produce
more protein and protein molecules form building blocks for cells allowing them to repair such damage.