10 BENEFITS OF A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Millions of people throughout the world do not get enough rest and sleep.

In fact, they falsely believe that rest and sleep are a waste of time and energy. This is the opposite of the truth and may be the most ignored cause of diseases.

I am here to tell you the great need for sleep, the many benefits of sleep, the harm that occurs when one does not get enough rest and sleep, and finally how to sleep better.

1. Keep your figure

Watching your weight can be as simple as getting a good night's sleep. Lack of sleep can make you put on weight by drastically slowing your metabolism down, according to a study by scientists at Uppsala University in Sweden. The researchers suggested getting plenty of sleep might prevent weight gain.

2. You can concentrate better

We have all woken up after a good night's sleep ready to take on the world. But IKEA's Slumber Survey found one in three Australians rate their sleep as 'poor' to 'terrible'. A bad night's sleep can leave you struggling all day. More than half of us will have problems concentrating after sleeping badly, according to a survey by shopping channel QVC.

3. You'll be in a great mood

 Getting a good night sleep puts you in good mood throughout the day helping you feel less irritable.
IKEA spokesman Angela McCann says: "It's unsurprising only 1% of those asked in the Slumber Survey claim to feel fantastic when they wake up. The lack of sleep and the ensuing tiredness is likely impacting on people's judgment, problem-solving and creativity."

4. You'll look more attractive

Regular shut-eye actually makes you look healthier and more attractive, according to a 2010 study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers photographed 23 people after a period of sleep deprivation and after a normal night's sleep of eight hours. The photos were shown to 65 people who rated each photo based on health attractiveness and tiredness. The sleep deprived group scored lower in all three categories.

5. Ability to make better informed decisions

We've all heard of sleeping on a problem, in the hope that come morning the solution will be clear. Well scientists have found that when you do this your brain still looks for a solution, even when you're asleep. Even if you don't wake up with an answer, a good night's sleep will equip your brain to assess the problem afresh.

6. You'll live longer

Regularly sleeping less than you should is associated with a shorter lifespan, although it is not clear whether little sleep is the cause, or an effect of other illnesses. Studies have found people who routinely sleep for fewer than six hours a night have a higher risk of dying sooner than people of a similar age who sleep for seven or eight hours a night.

7. You'll be a winner

Getting extra sleep can even improve athletic performance. Five swimmers were monitored as part of a study in 2008; they extended their sleep to 10 hours a day for six to seven weeks. At the end of the study the athletes could swim faster and react more quickly. 

8 .You're less likely to get ill

Lack of sleep can suppress your immune system, which makes you more vulnerable to infections. A study in 2009 found that sleeping for fewer than seven hours a night increased the risk of catching a cold. The team from Carnegie Mellon University found the risk was trebled compared with those who slept for eight hours or more a night.

9. You'll remember things clearly

During deep sleep the brain goes through our impressions of the day in a process vital to memory formation. A study published in the journal Sleep found people who slept fewer than six hours a night for two weeks scored far worse on memory tests than those who slept eight hours.

10. You'll have better sex

The better rested you are, the better sex you'll have, according to researchers. The 2010 Sleep in America poll found about 20-30 per cent of men and women felt their family life and sexual relationships had been affected by their sleepiness.