Sleep will rejuvenate our immune system, nervous system and the entire physical body.
It also assists the repair and growth of our muscles and other cells of the body.
During this period of rest, the human consciousness is absent.
It's really important that we get a good night sleep every night.
This fact holds true if we exercise daily or not.
I believe that we need a minimum of at least seven to eight hours of sleep every day.
If one fails to have sufficient sleep every night then both the body and the mind are bound to be affected in a negative way.
Over a period of time that a person does not get the sleep he or she needs, they start to accumulate what is sometimes called sleep debt.
Sleep debt is also known as sleep deprivation.
Sleep debt is the result of lacking sleep for a long period of time and eventually the person becomes more tired than normal on a daily basis.
Symptoms from depriving one's own self of sleep show both mentally and physically.
Some of the mental symptoms include; irritability, moodiness, inaccurate thinking, confusion, hallucination, memory loss, inability to concentrate, increased tendency to think negatively.
Physical symptoms may show themselves as; headaches, hand tremors, muscle aches and pain, developed bags under the eyes, yawning, weight gain, weight loss, increased sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures, increased blood pressure, increased stress.
The above is not a list of all the symptoms from the lack of sleep, but they are plenty.
Depriving your self of sleep means to increase your stress level both mentally and physically.
And stress in general is not good for a person wanting to lose some extra baggage.
When you sleep, it is important to be comfortable.
If you have to, keep any television or noise maker (technology) out of the bedroom as it can have an effect on your sleep.
Sleep in a quiet room with the lights out.
Any distraction can pull your mind away from proper rest.
Sleep and Metabolism Your metabolism does not stop when you sleep.
In fact, it slows down slightly but remains active to process any food in your system.
There is an old adage that says "all work and no play makes jack a dull boy.
" It's true.
To keep a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically, you also require relaxation.
Relaxation is not just about sleeping or taking time to sit down and relax but to do something you enjoy.
Be it a hobby like building model airplanes or reading a book to your liking.
Relaxation is much like sleep in the fact that it helps rejuvenate your overall wellbeing.
Waking up, eating, going to work and then taking time for exercise should be followed by play and relaxation - every day.
It's insufficient to give yourself the excuse that you "don't have the time" or "I can't do it".
Not too much and not too little, but just enough.
Find a good balance of sleep and relaxation.
The following are 4 questions you should give some serious thought to:
- What do you enjoy doing?
- Do you enjoy reading and/or writing?
- Do you enjoy playing a musical instrument?
- Do you want to start a business?
Another way to experience relaxation is to sit down in a comfortable chair, where you won't be disturbed, and sit in silence.
Some call it meditation and others call it a few minutes of peace.
Give your mind a rest and your body will rest, too! Take this time to sit down or lie down and just keep a clear mind.
Hold no thought of what you have to do later or the next day or week; just clear your mind away from all the hustle and bustle of the outside world and breathe.