The Hidden Health Benefits Of Sleep

The average person, to be able to function at their very best, needs seven to nine hours of sleep. But a regular bedtime has a lot to do with the best sleep.

The old adage, "Early to Bed, Early to Rise" is very true. Studies have shown that going to bed two to three hours before midnight is much better for optimum health and efficiency in the next days activities.

What does sleep do? This is the time that the building and repair crew swings into action. A series of hormones is produced for repairing the body tissues, so that brain, bone, and muscle, as well as other parts, are ready to spring into action with the new day.

Sleep is the time that the stomach should rest from digesting food and have the time to get a supply of digestive chemicals all ready for breakfast.

We sleep better and deeper when the stomach is resting. We also sleep more refreshed if the room is quiet, dark, and on the cool side with a window partially open. If it is cold outside, then open a window in a nearby room such as a bathroom adjoining your bedroom.

Sleep provides time and opportunity to discard waste products of the days work and replace them with fresh, energy-packed vitality to start the new day. It provides more potential for success and happiness. Depression takes a beating.