Sleep and your health

Do you know that it’s only when you’re asleep can your body fix itself?  Just like anything else in this world, people go through wear and tear.  It just isn’t obvious because the body automatically takes care of this, but only when we’re asleep!  Unbelievable?  Check out what the body does during REM or Rapid Eye Movement phase of sleep.

Indeed, sleep has an important part in the physical and mental health of humans.  For teenagers aging 14 to 17, an average of nine hours of sleep is required.  People aging 18 to 64, on the other hand, should have an average sleep range of eight hours while older adults aging 65 and above should sleep for an average of seven and a half hours.

If you’re sleeping less or more than the above-stated sleep range, then you’re in trouble.  For example, hypersomnia or oversleeping is a medical malady.  It’s a condition that causes extreme sleepiness to some people all through the day that’s not usually dismissed by napping.  Also, it makes them sleep unusually long hours at night.

Actually, there are many sleep disorders and all of these affect a person’s health, such as restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, snoring, sleep deprivation, and insomnia as the most common.  Of course, there are instances when you may have to sleep less due to a myriad of reasons.  Just make sure that you pay your sleep debt on time and prevent the occurrence of ongoing sleep shortage.  

The main warning signs of continuing sleep loss exist as excessive sleepiness during the day, but may also include other symptoms, like fatigue, frequent yawning, moodiness, irritability, depressed feeling, learning problems, forgetfulness, and inability to focus. 

When not addressed, it leads to a bigger risk of stroke, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.  In reality, sleep stands at par with exercise and good nutrition in the realm of health.    


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