Sleep facts first came into existence nearly 20 to 25 years ago, most of which are rumors and myths. However, with recent studies and research on sleep, we are getting some of the most surprising and interesting facts, sleep benefits that we never even think of.
I mean who could have ever dreamed as humans we spend an average of 25 years sleeping and even sleep loss can kill somebody. Here are 20 surprising sleep facts and sleep benefits that you should know.
Sleep Facts:
1. Studies have proven you can grow 0.3 inches while sleeping. However, the growth is temporary as you return back down to normal after you’re awake for a few hours.
2. Every human dreams 5 to 7 times each and every night. However, most people forget 90% of their dreams and can’t remember the dreams after awake.
3. Studies suggest we wake up as many as 6 to 8 times during the night as we cycle among light and deep sleep. So waking up several times during sleep is normal.
4. Did you know – falling asleep takes an average of 10-20 minutes and sleeping instantly may be a sign of sleep deprivation.
5. Did you ever notice of waking up with a sudden jolt seconds later falling asleep? Then you are experiencing myoclonic jerk. Nearly 60 percent of people suffer from this all over the world.
6. Noises in the first and last hours of sleep can disrupt the function of your immune system, even if they don’t make you wake up.
7. How much sleep do you actually need? Sleeping between 6.5 hr. to 7.5 hr. at night is the best for your body and anything above 8 hr. or less than 6.5 hr. can make you angry, sad, and stressed.
8. Did you know – those who fly regularly could be more at risk of sleep deprivation as flying at high altitudes leads to disturbed sleep due to the lack of oxygen.
9. One sleepless night can impact your brain so badly that you may experience it in the same way as being drunk.
10. Less sleep can affect your memory. Sleep triggers alterations in the brain that solidifies memories.
11. Grown-ups who sleep for shorter than 6 hours a night are more likely to report suffering from asthma, cancer, and diabetes.
12. Using your phone or a tablet before bed can affect your sleep as light before bed can trigger some brain functions to stay active. Additionally, these electronic devices emit blue light that is twice as bad!
13. Cool your room down to between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 to 20 degrees Celsius for the best quality sleep.
14. Daily physical activity can assist you to sleep better. Additionally, a regular massage is also shown to improve sleep.
15. People who do regular meditation and yoga experience improved sleep over time.
16. Recent Research shows more than half of Americans suffer from sleep loss due to stress or anxiety.
17. Stay Away From Sleeping Pills! Some sleeping pills and sleep aids suppress REM sleep which can be harmful over a period of time.
18. People who suffer from depression, dream up to 4 times more than normal persons.
19. Stay away from coffee before bed. Studies have proven that consuming coffee before bed delays the internal body clock by 30 to 40 minutes.
20. Do you know – violent dreams can be a symptom of a brain disorder including dementia.
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Sleep Benefits:
1. Increases Blood Circulation
Proper blood circulation promotes organ function and cell growth. Poor blood flow throughout the body may cause tingling sensations in certain parts of the body. It can also cause an irregular heartbeat, pain in the legs, muscle cramps, headaches, edema, dry skin, hair loss, dizziness, fatigue, and cold feet and hands. Getting an adequate amount of sleep for nearly 7hr improves blood circulation and protects from cardiovascular diseases.
2. Improves Memory
With proper sleep, the brain creates connections and links memories together based on what was learned during the day. Less sleep can cause some serious damage to its memory recall function which requires adequate sleep and rest.
3. Prevents Unnecessary Weight Gain
Sleep has a strong influence on ghrelin and leptin. Sleep deprivation causes overeating. However, one of the best sleep benefits includes, getting sufficient amounts of sleep leads to weight maintenance with appetite regulation.
4. Stress Relief
Stress is a common part of life that causes your body to release a series of hormones – cortisol, adrenaline, etc. When you sleep, your body begins to relax. It normalizes stress hormones – cortisol, and adrenaline levels by reducing stress.
5. Reduces Inflammation
Getting enough sleep can help reduce some of the inflammation in various parts of the body. Studies have proven that mediators of inflammation are influenced by sleep which is elevated by sleep loss. With enough sleep, you can overcome these chronic conditions easily.