7 Ways Good Sleep Can Improve Your Health

Getting sick less often

If you’ve ever found yourself working hard and sacrificing sleep, only to get sick, you’re not alone. Lack of sleep can suppress your immune system. So on the other hand, when you get enough good sleep, you may get sick less often. And if you do get sick, sleep is key to recovery and healing.

Feeling well rested

It might seem obvious, but when you sleep well, you feel well rested. And by feeling well rested, you can better accomplish everything you need to in your day. That might mean meal prep that allows you to eat healthier, time spent with family that boosts your mood, or physical movement like a workout or going for a walk. It all ties back to sleep.

Helping brain function

We all know what it feels like to be fuzzy and foggy, reacting slower after a poor night’s sleep. Good rest at night cuts out drowsiness, improving your reaction times and brain function. That’s why it’s a good idea to avoid driving when you’re tired.

Maintaining a healthy weight

There’s still a lot that the scientific community has to learn about the relationship between sleep and weight. But there are a few things we do know. There certainly appears to be a relationship between lack of sleep and weight gain, in the same way, that there’s a relationship between good sleep and maintaining a healthy weight. Some studies indicate that poor sleep could lead to metabolic disorders, which can mean weight gain.

Lowering stress

Stress can sometimes have the unfortunate effect of disrupting your sleep. Whether with insomnia, tossing and turning, or bad dreams, stress, and anxiety can make it much harder to get good rest. But when you can sleep well, it can lower stress and put you in a better mood. How many times have you felt grouchy or irritable after you didn’t sleep well? A good night’s sleep will put you in better spirits. There’s a reason that the saying “waking up on the wrong side of the bed” means you’re in a bad mood. Getting good rest can help.

Making your relationships better

When you’re in a good mood, with low stress and better health, it makes a difference in your relationships. We’ve all been there: snapping at a child or partner when we’re tired. Getting enough sleep can make you more relaxed and understanding. And with a less foggy head, you can be a better listener too. Our relationships are important to our health and wellness, letting us get the support we need to thrive.

Reducing health risks

The cumulative effects of poor sleep can have a big negative impact on your health. But on the other side of that coin, getting good sleep can reduce blood pressure and stress, two key contributors to heart disease. It also affects the smaller health choices we make, which add up over time. For example, when you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to eat unhealthy foods or not want to exercise. Getting good sleep is important preventative care.

It isn’t always easy to sleep well. But if you’re struggling to sleep, it might be a sign of a sleep disorder. The care providers at CHP can help you figure out a sleep plan, give you tips for better sleep, and suggest other routes if necessary. Get in touch with a clinic close to you to make an appointment.