The amount of sleep you need is genetically determined. If you’re from a family of “sleepers”, you’ll simply need more sleep than others.
Three factors influence why we sleep the way we do.
First, circadian rhythm slows at night. Your energy naturally goes down just like the sun.
Second, melatonin surges at night and causes the anticipation of darkness.
And third, sleep pressure increases when daylight subsides.
Sleep deprivation leads to weight gain. Leptin, the hormone that tells you when you’re full, drops when you’ve had little sleep.
Accelerated aging, increased risk of diabetes, breast and prostate cancer as well as a serious reduction in your ability to fight off seasonal viruses result from poor sleep patterns.
Pain sensitivity increases after pulling all-nighters.
Lead a longer, healthier life. Get some rest.
Claudia
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