The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep --- Part 2 ---
Last Blog Post we introduced the concept of sleep and health. With this post will delve a little deeper into the health effect of sleep.
Weight
Inadequate or poor sleep is associated with weight gain and obesity due to the interaction of the two main hormones involved in hunger regulation. You will often notice when you are tired you are more hungry. Read More ...
This is because inadequate sleep results in a greater release of the hunger hormone ghrelin and a suppression of the satiety hormone leptin, which indicates when we are full. We also tend to crave foods that have a higher energy density (sugar), which only exacerbates the problem.
Healthy brain function
Sleep is essential for our brain. Having an adequate night’s sleep enhances our learning and ability to consolidate memories. This is particularly important for children’s developing brains.
Sleep also improves problem solving skills, alertness, creativity and ultimately productivity making a well-slept employee a far more valuable one!
Next post will look at mental health and control. Sleep is the unsung hero of health. It is the most used and relied upon treatment in our health clinics and hospitals. Sleep is a life saver.
Tune in next week for the third part in the sleep series.
Take care and restful sleeping.
Olivia.
- Olivia holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is an Accredited Practising Dietitian.
