It’s no secret the way to feel your best every day is to get the right amount of sleep every night. How much is “the right amount”? Seven to nine hours, according to the National Sleep Foundation. For some people, that’s a big challenge. But we think that knowing about some of the specific benefits of getting enough sleep could be just the motivation you need to make it happen.
You’ll Be Healthier
Whether you’re already in great shape or have a long way to go, the right amount of nightly rest will improve every aspect of your mental and physical health. One thing that keeps a lot of from getting enough shut-eye is the lack of a decent mattress. The right performance mattresses may resolve that problem, but you’ll need to take plenty of time—and test plenty of options—until you find the one that works for you. While you’re at it, make sure you’ve got the right pillow and sheets.
You’ll Have More Energy
You already know this: a lousy night’s sleep almost always makes for a sluggish, unfocused day. And that tends to increase your stress level (along with your risk of getting into a car crash or suffering some other kind of injury). Waking up well-rested and refreshed, on the other hand, has the exact opposite effect: more focus, better attention span, clearer thinking, more overall energy, and a general sense of being better equipped to take on the world and everything life throws at you. It also has the effect of improving your mood.
You Might Lose a Few Pounds
No, sleeping more doesn’t replace diet and exercise as the best ways to manage your weight. That said, all that extra energy you have will boost your metabolism, meaning that you’ll be burning more calories during the day. And the more calories you burn, the more weight you’ll shed.
You’ll Look Younger
One of the unfortunate side effects of getting older is that we have a tendency to look older as we age. Judging from the sheer number of cosmetics and other products that are designed to make us look younger, looking our age is something very few of us want to do (unless we’re 17).
Fortunately, getting enough sleep can help you look younger. In part, that’s because of the things we’ve mentioned above: less stress, more energy, better mood, losing a few pounds, and generally feeling better. All of that can’t help but make you look better as well.
You May Live Longer
Inadequate sleep is associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and a number of other conditions that end lives prematurely. But be careful: Getting too much sleep is also associated with increased risk of death.
