A good night's sleep is an important key to a long and healthy life. Many people underestimate sleep and put it last on their list, even though it is actually just as important as eating healthily and getting enough exercise. While sleeping, our body gets the chance to recover and carry out all sorts of important processes, such as clearing away waste products in the brain. This helps, for example, to prevent conditions such as Alzheimer's.
It is important that you sleep between seven and eight hours every night. Sleeping less than six hours or more than nine hours can actually be harmful to your health and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and premature death. Besides the amount of sleep, sleeping regularly at fixed times is also crucial. This keeps your body better in balance with the natural day-night rhythm, which is beneficial for your energy and health.
Not everyone sleeps for the same length of time or as deeply, but most people cannot do without sufficient sleep. Getting less sleep leads to poorer concentration, slower reactions and a higher risk of physical problems. Therefore, it is important to take sleep seriously and not view it as a luxury, but as a necessary investment in your health.
Sleep even helps to slow down your body's ageing process. Research shows that poor sleep quality is linked to faster ageing at the cellular level. By getting a good night's sleep, you not only keep your body younger, but also your mind sharp. Therefore, it is one of the easiest and most effective ways to age healthily.
Source: Buck Institute
