Eight good reasons why sleep is good for you

Getting the full seven to eight hours of sleep a night will increase energy, ideal for those looking to exercise more, and it is good for the waistline as feeling refreshed reduces cravings for sugary, energy-boosting snacks.

The power of sleep is no pipe dream. It has been scientifically proven to have long-term health benefits and is a time when the body is repairing and restoring itself, to help you function both physically and mentally.

At The Cornish Bed Company we advocate a good night’s slumber and let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to spend an extra hour or two in a Cornish Bed?

To help you understand why it is good for you we have compiled eight compelling reasons why you should get more sleep in a Cornish Bed this year.

Improved mood
We all know that lack of sleep can make you grumpy, but over the longer-term, lack of sleep, and its resulting irritability, can lead to depression, anxiety and relationship issues both at home and at work, all of which increase stress and create a vicious cycle. A good night’s sleep promotes a better mood, reduces stress, and increases well-being.

A healthier heart
Sleep helps to lower blood pressure, stabilise metabolism and reduce inflammation. Those that don’t sleep enough are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, regardless of age, weight, smoking, and exercise.

Improved athletic performance
Adequate sleep not only helps provide the energy needed for peak athletic performance, but it is also essential in the repair of muscles and replenishing nutrients. Sleep deprivation can reduce reaction times and split-second decision-making, both of which are essential in competitive sports.

Reduced risk of diabetes
Lack of sleep has been shown to increase blood sugar levels and the risk of diabetes. Having the right amount of sleep is essential for balancing glucose metabolism and producing the right levels of insulin.

A boosted immune system
While you snooze your body produces and releases a type of protein called cytokines. These target infection and inflammation, effectively creating an immune response. So, if you lose out on sleep, you also lose some of your body’s ability to fight viruses and infection. Chronic sleep loss can even make the flu vaccine less effective.

Reduced hunger pangs
Insufficient sleep increases the effects of a chemical that makes eating sweet, salty, and high-fat foods more appealing. When you are tired, you are more likely to crave sugar to generate energy.

Improved concentration
Scientists have found that over-tiredness leads to lower alertness and concentration. An adequate night’s sleep allows you to perform tasks that require logical reasoning, complex thought, memory recall, and judgement. Sleep is essential for short-term memory as it embeds the things we learn and experience throughout the day.

Less risk of danger
Slower reaction times and sleepiness can put lives at risk, not only through health risks, but when driving, operating machinery, or making life-threatening judgements. One study found that one in six vehicle accidents resulting in death or injury on major roads is fatigue-related, so make sure you get enough sleep in a Cornish Bed before heading off on a long journey.