Sleep is, no doubt, central to normal brain functioning. Without question, it ranks high on the list of needs of every individual, regardless of their age, gender, or occupation.
Human beings are not nocturnal. Most of us prefer a good night’s rest over staying awake in the dark because our bodies crave hours of complete still and silence. Sleeping at night is, therefore, natural. A good night’s sleep can mean a fully rested mind once morning comes. Our bodies get the chance to repair themselves overnight from the stress of daily life.
Despite the fact that our bodies need rest, there are many people who fail to get quality sleep on a regular basis. This article explores sleep’s importance for better brain health and sleep’s role in circadian rhythm, which helps establish your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Benefits of A Regular Sleep Schedule
Greater Protection Against Alzheimer’s Disease
One medical study has found that individuals who have interrupted their sleep have twice as much protein buildup in their brains as those who sleep at night. This buildup, known as amyloid plaques, has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and can cause cognitive decline. In addition, sleep deprivation has been found to affect the sleep-wake cycle to increase levels of a hormone called beta-amyloid, which is involved in memory processing. Without enough sleep, you may feel tired during the day, but it also means your brain isn’t functioning properly.
Better Social Skills
Sleep schedule helps individuals understand what time they need to sleep and wake up every day, convincing their body about an internal clock. The regulation of this clock largely depends on our circadian rhythm. Since each person’s circadian rhythm varies by age and sleep needs, sleep-deprived individuals may become more socially isolated and struggle with the social task. People who sleep for less than six hours a night are at much greater risk of becoming socially isolated or lonely.
Decreased Risk of Depression
Aside from sleep’s impact on memory and brain function, sleep deprivation can lead to depression. Research has shown a connection between sleep duration and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, which makes sense because when we don’t get enough sleep, we tend to feel exhausted and overstressed during the day. Many people feel depressed because they see their sleep deprivation affecting everything else in their lives, including their relationships and careers.
Better Moods Throughout Everyday Life
Getting quality sleep each night helps individuals sleep better at night and wake up feeling rested. When you sleep well, your brain produces more melatonin, which makes you feel more relaxed. This chemical also improves sleep quality by making it easier for your body to fall asleep at night.
Better Physical Health
Poor sleep may affect the immune system in several ways reducing the human body’s ability to fight off infections. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can increase levels of inflammation within the body. It is important to get 6-8 hours of sleep every single day because it allows your immune system to function properly throughout your daily life.
Easier Weight Loss
Weight loss is often difficult because many overweight people suffer from sleep apnea, a condition in which the person has a sleep disorder and repeatedly stops breathing throughout sleep. Not only can sleep apnea make it hard to sleep at night, but lack of sleep can cause people who have sleep apnea to overeat. So, if you are trying to lose weight, getting enough sleep will help you shed those pounds.
Healthy Weight for Children
According to a survey from the CDC, one in five children aged 6-19 years old is obese. Sleep patterns play an important role in childhood development because many children don’t get enough sleep each night, which means they aren’t developing properly. In addition, research shows that sleep deprivation may lead overweight teens to consume more calories during the day and sleepless at night, which can cause changes in their circadian rhythm.
Improved Moods
Lack of sleep affects the brain just as it does for adults and children. If you sleep fewer than six hours per night, you may cope with emotional issues such as sadness and anger throughout the day. Many sleep specialists believe that chronic sleep deprivation is linked to psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, getting a good amount of sleep each night provides the body with more time to remove harmful toxins such as cortisol (stress hormone) from your bloodstream, reducing anxiety.
It’s no surprise that a regular sleep schedule is crucial for our health and well-being. If you’re struggling to get quality sleep, reach out to Kaizen Brain Center. Our licensed professionals will work with you to design an individualized plan tailored to your needs and provide ongoing support.
Call us today!