Let’s face it. Most folks are sleep-deprived, and it really is a problem around the world. A lot of research has been done on sleeping, and the science shows that healthy adults need eight hours a night to be on the right path, according to the National Sleep Foundation. When you’re resting at night, your body has a chance to restore and fortify and the brain has the ability to gain power. Without enough sleep, your physical health is at risk and your mental abilities become drained.

Memory Function

When you’re getting enough zzzs, your brain will thank you. For example, during rest, your brain is taking the time to both processes and remember new information.

Without adequate sleep, your short term and long term memory can be negatively impacted. Also, you may have trouble trying to concentrate, be creative, or solve problems because those skills have been compromised.

Babies and children need even more hours of sleep because theiryoung brains are developing. Experts recommend 10 or 11 hours of sleep each night to ensure proper growth of the body as well.

Immune System

Lack of sleep can cause a range of physical issues and diminish your immune system making you vulnerable to germs and illnesses.

Your immune system contains white blood cells and lymph nodes to keep your body strong against disease. When your immune system has weakened, your body has a harder time fighting off viruses that cause the common cold and flu.

It’s one thing to realize you need enough sleep and another to sleep soundly. Studies show that you should turn off electronic devices within the hour before bed to avoid sleep disruption. Get your body into a routine by going to sleep around the same hour nightly.

In addition, create a comfortable sleep environment in the bedroom with the proper mattresses anddm9000s bed frames that can provide excellent lumbar support and quality rest.

Sex Drive

It may sound ridiculous, but every human body requires adequate sleep to restore and energize the systems of the body, including the endocrine system. The hypothalamus is one of the main hormone-producing glands that control sex drive.

Scientists have found that little sleep can affect your sex drive resulting in lower libido. In men, it is believed that a drop in testosterone levels plays a role in a diminished sex drive.

Weight Maintenance

When you’re sleep-deprived, it’s harder for the body to keep a balanced weight. Lack of sleep throws off the chemicals in your brain that tells you that you are full. That makes it easier to over-indulge and gain pounds.

The hormone known as leptin tells you to stop eating; you’ve had enough. When you’re sleep-deprived, you produce less leptin, will eat more and as a result, have a slower metabolic process.

The hormone called cortisol is also responsible for weight gain when you suffer from poor sleep. Cortisol increases appetite and stress, and the hormone rises when you’re not getting enough rest.

Balance/Coordination

We have all read about heart health and maintaining blood pressure levels, and catching your zzzs will help protect these functions, but sleep also affects another key area.

When you wake up to a day where you had a lack of sleep from the night before, your physical body isn’t always performing up to the peak. In other words, you are prone to falls and other injuries.

Balance and coordination can be affected by poor sleep, and if you’re feeling drowsy, getting behind the wheel can be dangerous and can increase your risk of car accidents.

If you’re tired, you’re not alone. According to a study of adults in the United States, about 30-percent of adults are sleeping fewer than six hours most nights. You can try amping up the caffeine, and many of us do via coffee, tea, soda, etc., but caffeine is a temporary stimulant and cannot replace sleep. Diet and exercise are essential for the human body, but scientists emphasize that getting eight hours of rest nightly is as important. Put down the blue devices, avoid heavy meals before bedtime, get comfy and good night!

Contributed by Tracie Johnson