Can lack of rest cause permanent damage to our health?

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We forget the fact that our body is like a machine. And it needs rest. Even a person that sits idle for an entire day needs rest. It’s the most important aspect of leading a healthy lifestyle.

There is a limit to the level of stress we put on our body. This generation is full of insomniacs. Pulling an all night sleep over, or staying up in front of a TV is the common trend here these days. This is why many of us are tired and depressed.

Why rest is important?

Let’s look into the technical aspects of rest. While we sleep, our body rejuvenates and replenishes it’s reserves. It is the time when our muscles are repaired as well (required for muscle growth).

Sleep (rest) helps coordinate cognitive functions. Because the mind processes the events of that particular day while sleeping, a good night’s sleep solves many problems.

How many hours?

To be honest, we need more than 7 hours of sleep and we only get 5 on an average day. We are sleep deprived, and that is why most of our decision making skills are dull throughout the daytime.

A newborn needs a minimum sleep of 20 hours. (That, we do not need to worry.) An adult needs 8 hours of sleep, where as a teenager needs 9 hours.

A little tiredness is not much to worry?

Tiredness is not the only problem that is caused by lack of rest. There is a long list of problems that comes with lack of sleep.

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Memory loss

• Aggression and irritability

• Slow response time

• Weak immune system

• Weight gain

It’s like putting a bag full of cash in the bad part of a town. We are asking for trouble. Remember that a machine can be repaired or replaced, but our body is irreplaceable. The damage is more or less permanent.

So, if you can’t sleep (due to some physical problems), take the necessary medication.

Do you think that sleep is essential? How much do you sleep?

READ MORE ARTICLES

The Importance of Sleep: A long blog post that explains the technicalities involved in rest and sleep.
Rest And Sleep: An extensive article that covers the basic things about sleep and relaxation.
The Importance of Rest and Sleep: This small article highlights the socio-emotional need for sleep.