A good night’s sleep does much more than just keep you alert throughout the day.

In 2022, the Autumnal Equinox falls on September 21. Along with cooler weather and beautiful fall colors, the Equinox brings with it shorter days and longer nights. With the topic of longer nights in mind, let’s discuss the top health benefits of proper sleep and how the right amount of rest can improve various aspects of your life.

Better Mood

When you sleep, your brain processes all your emotions to help you respond positively in social situations and when you’re on the job. When you sleep less, your brain cannot process all your feelings, so you’re more likely to develop mood disorders and experience irritation towards others. Want to learn more about how sleep positively affects your mood? Keep reading here.

A Healthy Heart

Your blood pressure goes down when you sleep, giving your heart some much-needed rest. This nightly cardiac respite is crucial for keeping your heart healthy and lowering the chance of heart disease. The less sleep you get, the harder your heart has to work, which can result in a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Weight Control

Being well-rested helps curb your hunger. When you are sleep-deprived, the hormones that control appetite are impacted and result in you wanting to eat more. In children and adolescents, the link between not getting enough sleep and an increased risk of obesity is well-established. Insufficient sleep in children can lead to metabolic irregularities, skipping breakfast in the mornings, and increased intake of sweet, salty, fatty, and starchy foods.

Better Immune System

Your immune system works less-efficiently when you don’t get enough sleep, inviting germs to negatively affect your body in multiple ways. When you’re sleep deprived, your white blood cells don’t work effectively and allow viruses to attack your immune system. A good night’s sleep ensures your body is prepared to fight germs and keep you healthy.

Stress Relief

Getting appropriate sleep each night makes managing stress much easier on you. When people wake up refreshed, it’s easier for them to avoid the stressors that come with going through the day sleep-deprived, such as poor performance, difficulty thinking clearly, and lack of energy. Quality sleep can also reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health strains related to stress.

While you may not be looking forward to less light and lower temperatures, use the upcoming longer nights to establish a healthy sleep routine. Your body and the people around you will thank you.