How To Become Fit And Energized – The Ignored Link To A Healthier Body

Another thing that your brain does while you sleep is process your emotions. Your mind needs this time in order to recognize and react the right way. When you cut that short, you tend to have more negative emotional reactions and fewer positive ones.

Chronic lack of sleep can also raise the chance of having a mood disorder. One large study showed that when you have insomnia, you're five times more likely to develop depression, and your odds of anxiety or panic disorders are even greater.

Refreshing slumber helps you hit the reset button on a bad day, improve your outlook on life, and be better prepared to meet challenges.

Reason #3 Better Athletic Achievement

If you are a person who plays a sport that requires quick bursts of energy, sleep loss will not actually be the end of the world for you.

However, if you play a sport that has more to deal with endurance like running for example, sleep loss is not doing you any favors.

Besides robbing you of energy and time for muscle repair, lack of sleep saps your motivation, which is what gets you to the finish line. You'll face a harder mental and physical challenge -- and see slower reaction times.

Proper rest sets you up for your best performance.

Reason #4 Sleep Reduces Stress

When your body is sleep deficient, it goes into a state of stress. The body's functions are put on high alert, which can cause high blood pressure and the production of stress hormones.

Stress hormones then make it harder to fall asleep at night and get a good nights rest which will lead to a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation.

If you want to reverse this you can look into some relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Reason #5 A Good Nights Rest Will Increase Your Productivity And Concentration

Being in sleep deprivation is going to drastically reduce your productivity through the day as your brain will not be able to concentrate and learn new things.

In fact, sleep has been linked to improved concentration and higher cognitive function, both of which can help you be successful at work. But one restless night can leave you feeling frazzled, making it more likely that you’ll make mistakes that a pot of coffee won’t be able to fix.

Speaking of coffee, the more tired you feel, the more likely you are to reach for that afternoon cup. And while that may seem to fix the afternoon crash problem you experience, the extra caffeine late in the day could set you up for another sleepless night. Talk about a counterproductive cycle.

Reason #6 More Social And Emotional Alertness

I think this will go without saying but people who sleep less usually have trouble recognizing other peoples emotions which can lead to awkward and uncomfortable social situations.

If you want to stay on top of your game, sleep is a must!

Reason #7 Better Energy Through The Day

There is some truth in the old saying, “Getting up on the right side of the bed.” It has nothing to do with which side of the bed you roll out of, but sleeping can lead to good moods.

And really, it makes sense. If you sleep well, you wake up feeling rested. Being rested helps your energy levels soar. When your energy is up, life’s little challenges won’t annoy you as much. When you’re not annoyed, you’re not as angry. If you’re not angry, you’re happy. So, go to bed early and everyone around you will thank you for it.

Tips To Get A Better Nights Sleep

• Go to sleep at the same time each night, and get up at the same time each morning, even on the weekends.
• Don't take naps after 3 p.m, and don't nap longer than 20 minutes.
• Stay away from caffeine and alcohol late in the day.
• Avoid nicotine completely.
• Get regular exercise, but not within 2-3 hours of bedtime.
• Don't eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime is OK.
• Make your bedroom comfortable, dark, quiet, and not too warm or cold.
• Follow a routine to help you relax before sleep (for example, reading or listening to music). Turn off the TV and other screens at least an hour before bedtime.
• Don’t lie in bed awake. If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, do something calming until you feel sleepy, like reading or listening to soft music.