Are you getting enough sleep?

We often take advantage of sleeping, by staying up very late then waking up early for school and work. However, it is very important to get enough sleep, for one so you are alert the next day, but they’re other reasons.

Lack of sleep can age your skin. Your eyes become puffy and your skin can become sallow. A known effect is dark circles under the eyes and fine lines. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body secretes more of the stress hormone cortisol that in excess amounts can break down skin collagen. This is a protein that keeps your skin smooth and elastic.

Losing sleep can make you gain weight. According to a 2004 study, people who sleep less than six hours a day were almost 30 percent more likely to become obese than those who slept seven to nine hours. This is related to an increase in hunger and appetite. Lack of sleep also stimulates cravings for high fat and carbohydrate foods.

Depression continues to rise. Sleep loss often aggravates the symptoms of depressions and depression can make it more difficult to sleep. Insomnia has a very strong connection with depression. In a 2007 study of 10,000 people, those with insomnia were five times as likely to develop depression as those without.

Sleeping and getting the right amount of sleep is vital to taking care of our selves. It helps us to face the next day will full attention and appreciation. It is apart of our lives for a reason, it is just as important as eating correctly and keeping fit. Everything works with each other, to keep you whole.