Both the quality and quantity of sleep you get every night affects multiple areas of your life, whether your realize it or not. If most of us are honest, we don’t get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep every day, and that is largely due to our busy lifestyles and –let’s face it — late-night television. There’s a reason experts say our bodies need that much sleep, and I’m sure you’ve experienced the affects of sleep deprivation: sluggishness, burning eyes, headaches, irritability, and an inability to concentrate, to name a few. Sure, there are certain people that function very well on little sleep, but just imagine how much better they’d function with adequate rest? Besides the immediate symptoms of sleep deprivation, there can be long-term affects. While there are numerous reasons why you should be getting sufficient z’s every night, here are at least eight important ones.
Better Health
Your body isn’t able to repair itself or bolster its immunity unless you’re sleeping enough (and uninterrupted). Sufficient rest helps you maintain better health in general, and heart health, specifically. Sickness and health problems can drastically affect your quality of life, your work attendance (and possibly your job), and will cost you more in health insurance deductibles and medications. So, you see, your health affects more than just your body.
More Productivity
When you’re sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to be sluggish and take a longer time accomplishing tasks because your energy levels haven’t been restored. I know this is true, because it takes me longer to get ready in the morning if I’m tired! This affects your entire day, and can continue to reduce your productivity if sleep deprivation continues. Not only will you be less productive at work, and possibly get overlooked for a promotion because your output is lacking, but you’ll be less engaged at home, whether spending quality time with your family or balancing the budget.
A Better Attitude
Not getting enough sleep makes people cranky (I’ve noticed this affect is particularly bad when coupled with hunger!). You’ll be less congenial to your coworkers, friends, and family, and even like yourself less when you’re sleep deprived. A positive attitude and a pleasant, patient disposition are just plain easier and more effortless when you’re not overtired.
Better Decision Making
Casinos stay open late for a reason. Late-night gamblers are more likely to make risky decisions with their money because the more sleep-deprived they become, the more they focus on a positive outcome and forget any negative repercussions. Sleep-deprived people are impulsive and less reasoning (too tired to think), which is a sure recipe for financial mistakes. If you add alcohol to the mix, the affect is even stronger. Of course, a good night’s rest is also crucial to other important life decisions. Sufficient rest ensures all your faculties are fully functioning and there will be fewer regrets from your decisions.
Better finances
We established that sleep-deprived people are more impulsive and less likely to dwell on negative side affects of their decisions. Clearly you should avoid gambling into the night or on little sleep, but the amount of rest you get also affects your every-day financial health. It’s safe to say you’ll be more susceptible to sales tactics and impulse buys when you’re sleep deprived and not thinking clearly. You might also be too tired to work on your budget or pick up a side job for extra cash. Better sleep is one of many keys to better finances.
As you can see, getting 7-8 hours of sleep every day affects more than just how you feel. Do what it takes to get the sleep your body needs, whether turning off the television, setting your alarm for a bedtime reminder, exercising more, or reducing your caffeine intake.
Can you think of any other ways sufficient sleep has a positive affect on your life?
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