Importance of sleep – Why is sleep important and lack of sleep effects

5 Healthy reasons why sleep is important

Sleep is a luxury for busy people, but it is they most need it. The power of good sleep is compelling, though unfortunately often underestimate. Thanks to the sleep we function normally. It contributes to:

  1. Strengthening the immune system. There is a direct link between sleep and immunity. Lack of sleep reduces immunity. Our immune system is designed to be able to protect us from colds and flu. Well, if develop impaired as a result of lack of sleep, often suffer from seasonal influenza and colds.
  2. Reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Sleep disorders and chronic insomnia increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, irregular heart rhythms and blood pressure.
  3. Protection against cancer. Good sleep helps protect against cancer. When the body’s immune system is strong, it can fight against serious diseases like cancer. Experts say that people who work night shifts are at higher risk of breast cancer and colon cancer, because the level of melatonin. Exposure to light reduces the level of melatonin, a hormone which is believed makes us sleepy and protect against cancer. Melatonin reduces the growth of tumors. Therefore, it is important to sleep in a dark room. Nearly 90% of people with insomnia, suffer from other health problems.
  4. Occurrence of depression. Even if just over a week you have trouble sleeping, it will reflect negatively on your mood. If you sleep less than 5 hours per day you show stress, anger, grief and mental anguish. If lack of sleep continue longer term, emerging symptoms of depression. The most common form of sleep disorder, insomnia is directly related to depression. People who suffer from insomnia are at five times greater risk of developing depression.
  5. Reduce stress. Lack of sleep leads to the creation of greater amounts of cortisol, the stress hormone. On the other hand, sleep helps to relax the muscles of the body, relaxation and reduction of brain activity, which leads to less stress.