Getting Enough Sleep Can Add Years to Your Life!

Part III – Getting Enough Sleep Can Add Years to Your Life!

Can getting enough sleep really add years to your lifespan?  That question can readily be answered when you closely look at what happens when a person does not get enough sleep.  Here are some of the side effects of sleep deprivation that can damage your body and reduce your lifespan:

Obesity:  Not getting enough sleep can trigger metabolic changes that can cause you to store fat more quickly and easily.

Heart Disease:  Without adequate rest, your heart becomes overworked, which can cause high blood pressure and thickening of the heart muscle.

Muscle Pain:  Sleeplessness depletes serotonin and increases sensitivity to pain.

Increased Risk for Diabetes:  Losing just 3 to 4 hours of sleep over a period of several days reduces your body’s ability to keep blood sugar levels on an even keel – this can increase your chances for acquiring Type II diabetes.

Skin Problems:  Your skin can become ashy looking and you may get dark under-eye circles.

Inability to Concentrate or Make Decisions:  Your prefrontal cortex – the portion of your brain that controls logic may shut down, causing you to make more mistakes.  You may lose focus and be unable to complete simple tasks.  You may even have trouble remembering the tasks you wanted to do.  Consistently getting only a few hours of sleep each night may eventually affect you just as much as not being able to sleep at all.  Insomnia can become a significant problem.

Psychological Disturbances:  Inadequate sleep can cause depression and mood swings.  In addition, being tired leads to irritability and increased anxiety.

Compromised Immune System:  Without proper sleep, your immune system can not function at full capacity and you are thereby more prone to a host of illness, infection, and disease.

So, follow the doctor’s order and ensure you get 7 ½ to 8 hours sleep each night . . . . doing so can add years to your life!  (If you just can’t seem to asleep, try relaxation techniques along with natural nutritional supplements containing melatonin extract, valerian root, kava kava root extract, passionflower leaves/tea, chamomile, or Hops flower.)