The health benefits of a good night's sleep

We are all aware of the effect that a good night's sleep can have on our energy levels, but there are actually a number of other health benefits to feeling fully rested that you might not be aware of. These include:

Boosts your immune system

A good night's sleep can help to strengthen your immune system and fight off germs by giving the body the time it needs to wind down and repair itself. This is part of the reason why you feel more tired when you're unwell. Sleep aids the cells and proteins of your immune system in locating and destroying any foreign bacteria that your body comes into contact with, such as the common cold. It also helps your cells to recognise similar germs and bugs that you encounter more than once so that they can get ready to attack them. In order for you to strengthen the immune response of your body, it's important to take the time to wind down and recover when you're feeling unwell.

Helps you maintain a healthy weight

Not getting an adequate amount of sleep can make it difficult for you to keep control of your appetite, which can lead to weight gain. If you're unable to become fully rested, your body will require more energy because it is forced to stay awake for a longer period of time. Studies suggest that sleep deprivation can also alter the level of hormones your body produces to make you feel full after eating, which can make you more tempted to eat larger portions of unhealthy foods that are high in fat and sugar, especially at the end of the day. Making sure that you get the right amount of sleep can control how your body converts food into energy, therefore giving you more control over your weight.

Improves your concentration

Waking up feeling fully rested after a good night's sleep can help you to focus during the day and prevent your mind from drifting off. Feeling tired after a poor night's sleep can prevent your brain from functioning properly the day after, which can affect your ability to think strategically, react quickly and assess risks while impacting your concentration and attention span. This can be potentially dangerous if your job involves operating heavy machinery or driving, so getting an adequate amount of sleep can help you to stay focused and sharp and perform tasks to the best of your ability throughout the entire day.