Why do you need sleep?
Sleep is one of the most crucial things in your quest to look your best. It not only rejuvenates and refreshes the inside of your body but also makes your outside feel new. Sleep not only battles tiredness but also provides some much-needed respite for the essential organs of the body like the heart, brain and lungs.
It also affects how you look and perform the next day. If you sleep well, you look and feel refreshed. Your performance is at its peak. And when you don't sleep well, you look lethargic and you are lazy throughout the day.
Hence it is very important to get a good night’s sleep. The Himalayan Yeti helps you do just this with its miraculous products.
How does sleep work?
Your sleep is regulated by your body's internal clock. Most living organisms function on a 24-hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm. After you wake up, you get increasingly tired as the day progresses. This happens due to the production of the compound adenosine in the brain. Your body breaks down this compound during sleep.
Light plays a crucial role in the sleep cycle. The brain processes the light and decides if it's day or night. As natural light disappears, the body produces melatonin which promotes sleep. Conversely, during the daytime, the brain produces cortisol which energises you. It is recommended to avoid any electronics since they give out blue light. This tricks the brain into thinking it is daylight. This messes up the circadian rhythm.
Hence it is important for you to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. This helps your body adapt the circadian rhythm to your lifestyle. It is crucial to go to sleep at a fixed time and wake up at a fixed time. The Soulful Sleep strips are true to their name and provide you with such an amazing sleep that will make you wake up feeling as if you were never tired.
Stages of sleep:
- Stage 1 NREM (light sleep) Transition from wakefulness to sleep. The body begins to relax. Only lasts for a few minutes.
- Stage 2 NREM (deeper sleep) The body relaxes even further. Longest of all stages.
- Stage 3 NREM (deepest sleep) This stage ensures you feel refreshed the next day. All bodily functions are as relaxed as they can be.
- REM (dreaming stage) Breathing rate and heart rate slightly increase. Memory consolidation happens during this stage.
How does sleep help?
Sleeping well benefits your entire body.
- Cardiovascular system: It has been shown that sleeping less than 7 hours a day increases the risk of cardiac distress. The heart doesn't have to work very hard during NREM sleep. This helps it to relax for some time.
- Metabolism: People sleeping less than 7 hours have a higher chance of suffering from obesity. Sleep deprivation increases the production of ghrelin and reduces leptin. Ghrelin causes you to feel hungry while leptin makes you feel full. Hence increased ghrelin causes us to overeat.
- Immune system: People who experienced sleep for less than 5 hours were found to be much more vulnerable than people who slept for more than 7 hours.
- Cognitive function: Sleep helps with the long-term retention of memories. People lacking sleep were found to be more susceptible to cognitive impairment. They were also found to be less productive and focused than their counterparts who slept for more than 7 hours.
Along with nutrition and exercise, good sleep is one of the most crucial aspects of health. Lack of sleep contributes to many health issues, such as an increased risk of heart disease, depression, weight gain and memory impairment. Though individual needs vary, most research suggests that you should get sleep well for 7-9 hours per night for optimal health.
Frequently asked questions
How much sleep do you need?
A: A typical adult requires anywhere between 7-9 hours of quality uninterrupted sleep. While this may vary from person to person, you require at least 7 hours of sleep to feel refreshed.
Why is sleep important?
A: While you sleep, your body repairs itself. It gets relief from all the hardwork done during the day. Sleeping well helps your body function optimally.
How can you fall asleep quickly?
A: Avoid caffeine intake at least 5-6 hours before sleeping. Do not use electronics up to 1 hour before sleeping. While these may not be the most flashy tricks, it helps your body to prepare itself for sleep.