Sleep Is More Important than Food

Imagine that you decide to fast for a week. How would you feel after seven days? Most likely, you would be hungry, a little weak, and almost thinner. But basically, you would be okay.

 

Now, let’s say you go for a week without sleeping. Doesn’t seem so good, huh? Within a few days, you would be unable to function almost at all and you would lose your ability to focus. That’s why, it’s essential that kids and adults alike have enough sleep every night.

 

Your body needs a tiny vacation every night so that you can stay in a good health. It is, in fact, just as important as eating a healthy diet and exercising. Though sleep requirements differ from person to person, most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night while kids aged 5 to 12 require 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Not every child is the same, and some require more sleep than others.

Sleeping well is a habit, and if you make a habit of sleeping enough, then you’re setting your self up to success in every portion of your life, whether you’re at school, at work, or dealing with family and friends. Good sleep equals a healthy life style, a better mindset, and a more focused brain.

Sleep and Brain Function

Sleep is very essential for many aspects of brain function. In fact, studies have shown that sleep deprivation has a negative impact on cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance. Children who do not get enough sleep may become irritable, tired, or cranky. It may be difficult for them to pay attention or follow directions, normal schoolwork may seem impossible, and they may feel clumsy while participating in their favorite sport or activity. Similarly, getting enough sleep can help children, adolescents, and young adults perform better in school. Also, it has been demonstrated that adequate sleep improves problem-solving abilities and memory performance in both children and adults.

 

Sleep is a Prerequisite to Losing Weight

It’s difficult to lose weight, and it’s even more difficult to keep it off. Although the medical community is still trying to figure out the complicated relationship between sleep and body weight, several links have emerged that highlight the potential weight loss benefits of getting a good night’s rest as well as the negative health effects of sleep deprivation.

Lack of sleep can adversely affect your weight. While you are awake, your body will be preparing a perfect recipe for weight gain. How? When you’re tired, it’s easy to rely on a large latte to get you going. You might be tempted to skip exercise because you’re too tired, order takeout for dinner, and then sleep late because you’re too full.

Sleep deprivation also affects metabolism. Metabolism is the chemical process by which the body converts the food and drink we consume into the energy we require to survive. Metabolism includes all of our collective activities, from breathing to exercising and everything in between. While certain activities, such as exercise, can temporarily boost metabolism, sleep cannot. During sleep, metabolism slows by about 15%, reaching its lowest point in the morning. How does sleep affect metabolism? In fact, numerous studies have found that sleep deprivation frequently leads to metabolic dysregulation. Sleep deprivation is linked to many health problems such as increased oxidative stress, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Extra time spent awake may increase eating opportunities, while sleeping less may disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to weight gain.

Sleeping Well Is a Prerequisite to Leadership

The science is clear: if you want to be a good leader of a higher-performing team, you must have good sleep. In fact, sleep is the foundation of effective leadership. Not only that, but your sleep as a leader has a direct impact on how sharp and creative you feel as well as your team’s performance.

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation has a profound effect on human behavior, affecting everything from basic psychomotor skills to more complex cognitive functions. Also, poor sleep has been shown in studies to impair decision-making ability as well as a tendency toward less social behavior. Leaders who don’t get enough sleep are easily irritated, and less supportive. That’s why sleep-deprived leaders will have a more difficult time inspiring their workforce and bringing out the best in their colleagues and subordinates.

 

How to Get More Sleep?

Here are some tips to help you and your kids get enough sleep:

 

• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This assists your body in establishing a routine.
• Turn off the TV, computer, and other electronic devices, including cellphones, at least one hour before going to bed.
• Follow a calming bedtime routine that includes non-stimulating activities such as baths, stories, prayers, etc.
• Avoid drinking Caffeine-containing beverages, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas.
• Avoid watching scary TV shows or movies close to bedtime because they can make it difficult to sleep.
• Don’t exercise right before bedtime. The earlier you exercise in the day, the better you sleep at night.
• Use your bed only to sleep. Do not use it for work, playing games, or talking on the phone. You’ll train your body to associate your bed with sleep this way.