Common Question: Does it really matter whether I get 7-8 hours of sleep every night?

Yes!

We’ve all heard the popular hustle-and-grind saying: “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” But you’ll get more done and do it better if you get enough sleep. Plus, you’ll feel better doing it.

Here’s a quick rundown of why sleep is important:

• Your brain forms new pathways to help your memory while you sleep.
• Being rested helps you control your emotions and behavior.
• It improves your recovery from workouts.
• It keeps your hormones balanced (including those that control stress, blood sugar control, and food cravings).
• Plus, it triggers the release of growth hormone, which helps your body build muscles and repair cells.
• Getting too little sleep (in the long term) is linked with a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and kidney disease.
• Getting too little sleep increases the risk of obesity.
• Your immune system performs better when you are rested.
• Getting enough quality sleep helps you be more productive and efficient during the day.

As you can see, your body isn’t asleep on the job when you’re sleeping – it’s working hard to keep you healthy, strong, and productive.