Rest is good for us in many different ways. Whether it is relaxing, sleeping, or just reading during your downtime, rest has many benefits including better health, weight control, and disposition. There are many studies that state that sleep can help improve creativity. It is clear that we all need to rest regularly. Here are our views on the importance of rest:
Finding Solutions
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that people who got adequate rest are better at finding solutions to their problems. According to their studies, people that sleep more than 8 hours a day got enough rest and come up with creative solutions most likely from the connections made in their dreams. This is probably where we got the expression “sleep on it”.
Expands Perspective
According to Albert Einstein, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” Taking time to read is not only restful, but also gives you the opportunity to learn something new and see things in a new perspective. Reading lets you experience things that you would not normally experience, even if it’s just from a third-person point of view. It is also a good way to get out of your world and immerse yourself in something you’re not used to. In fact, bibliotherapy is being used in the treatment of mental and psychological disorders, because it can be therapeutic and supports mental health.
Better Health
Did you know that lack of sleep can make you fat? According to studies, people who have shorter sleep duration tend to weigh more than people who get 8 regular hours. This means that sleep deprivation can lead to obesity. Lack of proper rest, in this case sleep, leads to hormonal imbalance, which in turn leads to weight gain or obesity.
Improves Concentration and Productivity
Proper rest can lead to improved concentration and productivity. Rest supports various brain functions such as cognition, productivity, performance, and concentration. Without proper rest or sleep, all of these functions can be affected negatively. Getting proper rest does not only improve concentration and productivity. It can also help boost problem solving skills and memory performance in children and adults.
Reduces Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
Quality rest and sleep can help lower your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Studies show that short sleepers have a greater risk of heart disease compared to people who got 7 or 8 hours a night. Aside from this, short sleepers also have reduced insulin sensitivity, which can result in Type 2 diabetes. A study was conducted where young men were restricted to 4 hours of sleep for 1 week. At the end of the experiment, the young men showed signs of pre-diabetes which was resolved after 1 week of restful sleep.
Boosts Immunity
If you get colds often, this could be the result of a lack of proper rest or sleep. Studies showed that people who got less than 7 hours of sleep at night are three times more likely to develop a cold compared to those who slept 8 hours or more. If you are prone to colds consider getting enough rest and sleep. Eating citrus fruits and garlic can also boost your immunity as you recover.
