Forget the Paleo diet, circuit training or meditation (not really). One of the best ways to improve your health, fight diseases and extend your life is also the simplest: Quality sleep. However, “quality” might not be so simple for some people, especially if you suffer from insomnia or another sleep disorder. Except in these circumstances, many people are putting quality sleep on the backburner much to their own detriment.
There are some instances where a sleep specialist intervention may be in order, such as if you need a CPAP machine for sleep apnea or even nasal surgery to address blockage. Otherwise, there are many things you can do to improve your quality of sleep. Consider just how beneficial sleep can be, and it’s easy to see how it’s your golden ticket to better health, wellness and longevity.
It literally recharges you
Sleep deprivation is used as a torture tool for a reason: It works, and going without sleep can actually kill you after awhile. All parts of your being need sleep in order to thrive including your body, mind and spirit. Without sleep, it’s the same thing as leaving your phone unplugged and eventually it will no longer function.
It allows your body maximum power
Sleep boosts your immune system so that you can better fight off infections and diseases. You only have so many resources in your body, and when they’re being used simply to stay awake, fight sleeplessness or keep you energized enough to function, other parts of your body will suffer (starting with your immune system).
It’s free and readily accessible
Unlike exercise or eating organically, you don’t need to commute or seek out a place to sleep. If you practice good sleep hygiene and/or address sleep issues, it’s also readily available.
However, many people actually choose to not get enough, proper rest. This means you’re basically opting out of a complimentary health perk.
It complements all your other efforts
Poor sleep makes you too tired to work out, too hungry for energy to make wise food choices, and too cranky to be a good friend, spouse, parent or worker. By embracing better sleep, you’re making the most of all your other good efforts and it makes smarter choices easier.
Don’t underestimate the power of sleep or think you can get by with only a couple of hours per night.
There are no bragging rights or glory in being tired.
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