Tips
A GOOD
NIGHT’S SLEEP
BY ANGELICA GAVALDON
h You live longer and healthier life
Studies have shown getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night decreases your lifespan. Getting
better sleep increases the quality of your life, strengthens your immune system, fights inflammation,
reduces blood pressure, keeps your heart healthy and makes you more pleasant to be around.
I am one to wake up before anyone
else does in my house. With
breakfasts to be made, preparing
school lunches and snacks, making
sure to get my son Noah to school
on time, and wanting to get in my
work out before I start my day. I am
sometimes up at 5 A.M.! But there
is no need to feel bad for me; Noah
goes to sleep by 7:30 P.M., and
so do I. This is why I still feel full of
energy the next day! You feel happier
Getting enough sleep influences a better mood throughout the day and decreases irritability. If
you suffer from anxiety, it also helps you to decrease anxious feelings and makes you less likely to
fall into a depressive mood. In addition to helping stabilize your mood, it can improve your overall
mental well-being.
ow important is
sleep? We all hear
about the importance
of sleep, but just
how much do we
really need and how much do we
actually benefit from it?
Here are my top reasons for why
you should consider getting to bed
earlier and make it a priority to get in
at least seven hours of sleep.
30 GBSAN.COM | MAY 2018
You maintain a healthier weight
Being sleep-deprived affects your metabolism making it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle
and exercise. You often feel tired and less motivated to get in a workout and when you don’t get
enough rest, your hormones are also affected which interferes with a healthy metabolism and that
increases your appetite. Experts recommend that if you are trying to lose weight to make sure you
get adequate sleep.
Your memory is improved and you feel more alert
When you’re tired, keeping track of your schedule or belongings including important things like your
keys and wallet can become difficult. Being rested can make you more alert, can prevent you from
losing things, and even help you stay safe on the road. Getting sufficient rest improves your ability
to think more clearly and make better decisions.
The benefits of sufficient sleep cannot be overestimated. Do yourself a favor and make sure
you schedule in the time to get your seven hours of rest for a happier and healthier life.