SIGNIFICANCE OF SLEEP - Ms. Shiva Shree S / Assistant Professor / PG Department of Psychology / MKJC(A)

 SIGNIFICANCE OF SLEEP

Sleep is chief for sustaining optimal health and well-being. In particular exercise and a balanced diet, getting enough sleep may help prevent a range of health issues, including heart disease and depression.

Contemporary-day way of life in the United States and many other countries does not always welcome the necessity for adequate sleep. Even now, it is important that people make an to get enough sleep it is important that people make an effort to get enough sleep constantly.

The following are some of the many benefits health professionals associate with getting a good night’s rest.

1. Better memory and performance

A 2017 study looked into the short and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption. Researchers noted that sleep has connection to several brain functions, involving:  

· Memory: Sleep disruption may influence memory processing and formation.

· Performance: People’s performance at work, school and other settings is affected by sleep disruption. This includes focus, emotional reactivity, decision -making, risk-taking behavior, and judgement.

· Cognition: By affecting stress hormones, disturbed sleep may affect cognition.

A 2015 study showed that children’s sleep patterns would directly influence their behavior and academic performance.

2. Lower weight gain risk

The association between weight gain and obesity and short sleep patterns is unsure. There have been several studies throughout the years that have linked obesity and poor sleep patterns.

A 2018 study suggests that people who regularly sleep less than seven hours a night are probably to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and develop obesity than those who sleep more.

Researchers proposed sleep deprivation is connected with higher levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone), salt retention and inflammatory markers. They also noted that diminished sleep results in increased fatigue, which may affect a person’s aspiration or ability to exercise and maintain a healthful lifestyle.

Lot of research is needed to better understand the links between poor sleep and weight gain.

3. Greater calorie regulation

Correspondingly too gaining weight ,there is evidence to suggest that getting a good night’s sleep can support a person’s body take in fewer calories.

For instance, a 2022 clinical trial found that overweight adults who increased their sleep duration took in fewer calories compared with a control group.

The adults improved their sleep by 1.2 hours on average, and took in around 270 calories fewer than the control group. The researchers suggested that enhancing nad maintaining healthy sleep duration would support with weight loss and obesity prevention.

4. Better athletic performance 

Adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night, however current studies have suggested that athletes may need more. more.

Sleep is important for athletes and people engaging in sport because the body heals during sleep. Other benefits involve:

· Better endurance

· Excessive energy

· Better accuracy and reaction time

· Faster speed

· Greater mental functioning

5. Lower risk of heart disease

One causative factor for heart disease is high blood pressure. According to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),getting adequate rest each night allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate itself.

Getting a good night’s sleep can also lessen the chances of sleep-related conditions such as apnea and promote greater overall heart health.

6. Increased emotional and social intelligence

Sleep has links to people’s emotional and social intelligence. People who does not get adequate sleep is more likely to have issues with recognizing other people’s emotions and expressions.

For instance, a 2022 study looked into the relationship between sleep quality and duration and emotional intelligence. 477 Participants were asked to complete questionnaires about sleep habits and emotional intelligence. People who routinely experienced higher quality sleep tended to perceive themselves as having better emotional intelligence ,such as doing well in social interactions, maintaining relationships, feeling positive and controlling impulses.

7. Anticipating depression

The connection between sleep and mental health has been the subject of research for a long time. A 2016 meta-analysis resolved that insomnia is significantly associated with an improved risk of depression.

The analysis suggests that sleep loss may result in cognitive alterations that lead to depression risk.

Sleep disturbance may also impair emotional regulation and stability, as well as altering neural processes, which may all lead to symptoms of depression.

8. Lesser inflammation

There is an association between getting adequate sleep and reducing inflammation in the body. 

For instance, a 2019 study found a notable positive association between greater sleep inconsistency  and higher levels of inflammation, specifically in women.

The study suggested that inconsistent sleep, where a person goes to bd  at inconsistent times or wakes up at various times each time, can disturb the body’s process of maintaining inflammation during sleep.

9. Powerful Immune System

Sleep helps the body restore, regenerate and reclaim. The immune system is no exception to this relationship. Some research proposed that deep sleep is necessary for the body to restore itself and strengthen the immune system.

Even so Scientists  need to do additional research into the exact mechanisms of sleep in regards to its impact on the body’s immune system.

A Blog By

Ms. S. Shiva Shree

Assistant Professor

PG Department of Psychology

Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women (Autonomous)

Vaniyambadi.