Sleep heals and keeps you fit. 3 scientific proof from a doctor

Sleep heals and keeps you fit. 3 scientific proofs from a doctor

Working at night is not a good idea.

Until recently, scientists believed that in sleep neurons fall asleep, and all processes in the brain slow down. But with the help of polysomnography (sleep recordings) proved that sleep is an active process, not passive. And while we sleep, the brain is working as hard as in the waking phase. Therefore, the fact that the well-being of a sick person noticeably improves after sleep is not just a coincidence.

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It is commonly believed that we need sleep only for rest. But this is not entirely true.

How lack of night rest affects the body

The processes that occur during sleep are still poorly understood. To date, we know that in sleep the brain processes and sorts the information received during the day. It is at this moment that it decides which memories and information will remain with us for a long time, and which will be ruthlessly erased from memory for uselessness.

From an evolutionary perspective, sleep is a huge risk. It is a long period during which a person or animal is completely defenseless. So if it were possible to stay awake, evolution would have spared us from such a vulnerable state. And yet all vertebrate animals on Earth sleep. This shows the importance and indispensability of sleep.

If you are sorry to waste time on sleep, here are some arguments in favor of quality and adequate night rest.

• Its lack reduces the body’s defenses. During quality deep sleep melatonin is produced – a powerful antioxidant and immune regulator. It helps fight viruses, bacteria and cancer cells. No sleep – no melatonin. In addition, sleep increases the efficiency of T-cells, which play an important role in immunity and attack foreign elements.
• When there is a sleep deficit, there are problems with attention and reaction speed. Thousands of people die every year due to lack of sleep, being involved in car accidents.
• Lack of sleep makes you fat. Sleep deprivation reduces insulin sensitivity, which threatens type II diabetes, which is almost always associated with obesity. It is not for nothing that nutritionists and trainers recommend not only to follow a diet and sports regimen, but also to get a good night’s sleep. Read more about it in the article at the link.

How to establish a sleep schedule

If it is difficult to fall asleep or hard to wake up, nightmares and frequent awakenings, other sleep disorders – this is a reason to worry about your health. This is how the body can signal a problem. To begin with, it is necessary to check the level of magnesium (it is necessary for the functioning of the entire nervous system and the production of melatonin) and iron (provides oxygen to all organs and tissues, including the brain).

It is also important to establish sleep hygiene: go to bed at the same time before midnight, sleep for about eight hours in cool, quiet and complete darkness. Remember to put your phone away and turn off your computer at least an hour before bedtime.