Everyone knows how important it is to get enough sleep; it helps improve our cognitive function and boosts energy levels. But did you also know that sleep is vital for skin health? Learn more below about the unexpected health benefits of sleep.
1. Reduces Risk of Car Crashes
When we don’t get enough sleep, we (obviously) start the day groggy and tired. But it’s when we get behind the wheel that the health effects of sleep deprivation take a turn for the worse.
In fact, it’s been found that driving while half-asleep is similar to drunk driving!
2. Helps You Lose Weight
Another way sleep deprivation affects you is by driving up your cravings. When you miss out on sleep, your body misses out on the energizing benefits of sleep.
So your body starts producing more hunger hormones than usual—so you can eat more to make up for energy.
3. Heals Injuries
Sleep alone can’t be enough to fully heal an injury. But it sure does help. When we’re fast asleep, our bodies repair bone and muscle tissue.
4. Prevents Acne
They call it beauty sleep for a reason! Our bodies produce more stress hormones when we don’t get enough sleep, which can lead to acne.
5. Boosts Mood
Poor quality sleep can definitely make things worse emotionally. We tend to get angrier and more annoyed when we’re sleep-deprived.
Sources
- 10 Benefits of Sleep. Verywell Health, 2023.
- Drowsy Driving vs. Drunk Driving: How Similar Are They? Sleep Foundation, 2023.
- Does Lack of Sleep Cause Weight Gain? Yale New Haven Health, 2023.
- Sleep and Recovery from Injuries | Tips on Healing through Sleep. Cornerstone Physiotherapy, 2021.
- How Does Lack of Sleep Affect the Skin? Walk-in Dermatology, 2020.
- Mood and sleep. Better Health Channel.
Now that you know how important it is to get sleep, check out this post covering sleep hygiene tips.
