The Big Life

Has life gotten any faster recently? If we can do things faster now, how come the number of people sleeping less than 8 hours has increased exponentially over the last few years? More and more people are indulging in the 4-four sleep, which, to the 8 glasses of water you have to drink everyday, is the equivalent of half the optimum number of hours people should be sleeping.

Here are a couple of things you’re missing out on big time if you aren’t getting the recommended 8-hours of sleep:

Attentiveness! Fact. Coherent thought is impossible after three days of sleeplessness. By day four, you’ll be a raving lunatic. While missing out a night’s sleep gives off a lesser version of this, the body will become sluggish and easily-tired during the day.

Lessened ability for learning and memory. While we sleep, the brain undergoes a process called “memory consolidation” — this is when the brain commits new information to memory, this is pretty important!

Proper metabolism. Sleep deprivation may affect how the body processes and stores carbohydrates, and messes up hormones that affect the appetite.

Repair-work. The body repairs itself during sleep. The immune system releases some antibodies only during sleep, so keeping up with sleep helps the immune system work a lot more efficient.

Dreams! Dreams rock. You can be anyone, or anything, and well, whatever parts of the last night’s dream may also give you ideas for what to look forward to. Plus, isn’t the whole world a lot better when you wake up fresh and energized for the day ahead?