Can Sleep Save Your Life?
Supported with statistical data, turning back the clock one hour this weekend may reduce the number of heart attacks Americans will suffer in the following week. As covered on the Today Show, studies conducted by Swedish researchers point out the fact that there are approximately 5% fewer heart attacks on the Monday following the gain in an additional hour of sleep.
Sleep is a vital event that is necessary for our bodies to be healthy. Depriving ourselves of sleep takes a toll on our overall health. More than just bags under our eyes, sleep deprivation also takes a toll on our systems. Everything from a weakened immune system to compromised cardiovascular systems, our bodies pay the price. While it may be difficult to always obtain the optimal 8 hours of sleep each night, there are many sleep aids that can help. Natural sleep aids and store bought sleep aids are not treated equal though. Be aware of anything that can be addiction forming.
Sleep deprivation and reaction time also have a strong correlation. Studies show that the deprivation of sleep dramatically reduces our alertness and slows down our reaction time. There is nothing worse than a sleep deprived driver. Take these statistics for example, in 1998, 24,318 deaths were cited from accidents related to sleep deprivation in the US. There were as well 2,474,430 disabling injuries resulting from accidents where decreased mental efficiency and attentiveness due to sleep loss as the major causative factor (Health Guidance).
As it can be deduced, being well rested is important for our overall health. Sleep helps us to fight of colds, repair cuts and bruises and also help regulates our body functions.
Tags: heart attack, natural sleep aids, sleep aids, sleep deprivation and reaction time, turn back clock