Have you often wondered why sleep is called “beauty rest?” It is because we really do get beautified while we are sleeping. How is this? Rest is very important for the body to function at its peak. If there is a lack of rest/sleep, then the body will react and let you know.
I’m known to burn the candles at both ends. Meaning that I get up early and I go to bed late. As I type this article, I feel very tired. I didn’t get enough sleep and I cannot continue on this road. I have decided that no matter what, I will turn in early and give my body the rest that it needs. It is the healthy thing to do.
Why you need your beauty rest
- Health. If you’re not getting enough sleep, it can hurt your immune system by increasing your chances of getting sick with a cold or some other bug. Lack of sleep has also been linked to hypertension which can affect your cardiovascular health.
- Memory. Not getting enough sleep can wreak havoc on your memory and learning. Keep your learning and memory sharp by getting your rest. Your brain needs rest too.
- Weight control. The proper amount of rest can help you lose weight as well as maintain your weight. Helps regulate your hormones which will help with your appetite.
- Mood. Waking up grouchy is not normal. Most of the time when you wake up in a bad mood, you will find that you have not gotten enough sleep.
- Beauty. While you sleep, your body is repairing itself on a cellular level and if you don’t get the sleep you need, then you will eventually look old before your time. Your body needs time to do what it does and if you are not allowing time for your body to repair itself; you will look older than you really are.
Since, I have written this post, I will challenge myself to do my body a good service by giving my body the proper rest that it needs. Scientists recommend that we get 8 hours of sleep each night and that’s what I shooting for. Will you join me in this challenge? Start tonight by getting in the bed earlier than you have been. Your body will love this!
Sleep is your best friend!
Me too. I decided to go to bed as early as possible on nights when we don’t have ministry obligations. Since I am a morning person this works well for me because it means that I can get up early to pray and do some online work in the quiet.
I feel much better since I’ve been doing this. Great post Evelyn.
Hey Jennifer,
That’s great! I’ll be challenging myself to be an early riser beginning next week. Got this idea from a fellow blogger.
I’m glad to know that you feel better. 😉
Take care,
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn
I usually get about 6 hours sleep then I am wide awake! Have never needed more sleep and as I am healthy I think this must be all I need. Yet I have friends who really need 8 hours sleep or get dark circles under their eyes.
Patricia Perth Australia
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for sharing! This is very interesting how one person needs less sleep while others may need more.
Take care and thank you for stopping by!
Evelyn
This post is very important Evelyn, I used to sleep for only 5hrs in 24 hrs. The resultant effect was very bad for my family, my health too was affected. Although I always knew that sleep was good for me, I thought I will be a macho mum if I can burn the candles and achieve more. The truth? I achieved less and had to learn the hard way. Today, I tell everyone that cares to listen how valuable Sleep is to us.
Thanks for sharing this.
Hey Chioma,
Thanks for sharing your experience. It is more confirmation for me that I need to get more sleep. 😉
Take care and enjoy your day!
Evelyn
This is good info, and much needed in today’s hectic, fast paced environment where we are all required to do more with fewer resources.
However, I do believe that sleep needs vary from individual to individual. Even if I try to force myself, I average 6-7 hours nightly.
Hey Jennifer,
I totally agree with you about the hours varying from individual to individual. No matter how hard I try to get 8 hours I usually average between 5-6 hours. When I do get 8 hours, I feel like I got too much sleep.
Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Evelyn
Well, I must be pretty damn beautiful cause I love my beauty sleep! HA! My favorite, of course, is #3 for weight control. A lot of people are surprised to learn this. Growth hormone, one of the key hormones in our bodies for anti aging, burning fat, and building muscle is naturally secreted at various times throughout a 24 hour period (as well as in response to intense exercise). One of the biggest releases of growth hormone occurs a few hours after you go to bed, usually midnight-ish. If you chronically stay up late or eat high levels of carbs before bed (insulin affects the release of growth hormone) then you are preventing growth hormone from doing its amazing job!
Hey Susan,
You go girrrl! 😉
Thanks for sharing this information. I find it very helpful.
Take care,
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn,
I’m glad you wrote about this important topic. When i was a teenager I suffered from terrible, chronic insomnia. My body just wouldn’t let me sleep no matter how exhausted I was. I learned during this time the importance of sleep for health. Lack of sleep throws you off balance awful. It affects your judgement, motor skills, memory, etc. Fortunately I outgrew this awful condition and now have regular sleep paterns. But I’ve noticed that occassionaly when I don’t get enough sleep I feel something isn’t right with me. I would say regular 8 hours of sleep is just as important as needing to exercise and eat healthy. Thanks for writing this Evelyn. It will help people out!
Dandy
Hey Dandy,
Thanks for sharing your story.
Have a wonderful day! 😉
Evelyn