Update your settings

Why Should I Sleep for 8 hours?

Sound sleep is a must for a healthy body, an alert mind and a successful life! On an average we spend one third of our lives sleeping. Is it worth it? Or is there any shortcut to avoid sleep and save the productive time?

It’s a “NO”! Nothing can match a good night’s sleep. No pills can do that.

A good night’s sleep is an investment for a productive day. 


Here is a list of mind blowing benefits of sleep.

 1. Restore mental alertness!

Sleep is a rejuvenating mechanism.

• It helps you restore alertness after a tired day.
• It helps you think sharper and clearer than those who sleep less.
• It helps you accommodate much better with others. Avoids accidents in drivers.

The same was concluded by NASA (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.) NASA conducted a study over pilot alertness post sleep. It was found that pilots were much more alert after a nap. The alertness was especially evident in the first few hours post sleep.

2. Boost Memory?

Best memory power is one of the most sought after needs, especially by students. Sleep is the most natural, easily available, and an economical memory booster.

3. Boost immunity!

Immune system is on its toes when we are asleep. It works better than any other time.

This helps combat infections, especially viral infections like cold and fever.

Sleep patterns of 150 people were monitored for 2 weeks, post which they were exposed to the common cold virus. Those who slept for less than 7 hours a day were three times more susceptible to cold than their counterparts.

Extensive research has proved that well rested people have a better response to vaccines. Well rested people responded much better to Flu vaccine than others

4. Be healthier

Quality sleep protects our vital organs like heart and kidney. Those who sleep well have lower risk of heart ailments and diseases like High Blood Pressure and Diabetes.

5. Increase pain threshold levels?

A study proved that after sleeping well, people had a better pain threshold to similar levels of injury. Sleep also acts as a natural pain killer especially for chronic pains.

6. Look younger!

While we are asleep, our skin cells go through a process of repair. Those who sleep adequate have a healthier skin. On the contrary less sleep is associated with more pimples and blackheads.

7. Keep depression at bay

An adequate sleep prevents depression and also combats depression in those who are struggling with it!

 How much sleep do we need?

• On an average an adult needs about 7 to 8 hours of sleep.
• Pregnant women need more sleep, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
• Teenagers need about 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep.
• Senior citizens need 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

However the amount of sleep needed also depends on several other factors such as:

Activity levels or the amount of physical work to be done

Physical condition: During illness we need more sleep than usual. It is needed to combat infections especially viral infections like cold and flu, run away faster with more sleep.

Energy levels after specific hours of sleep: The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person. Some adults feel very productive after 7 hours of sleep, whereas others feel productive after 9 hours of sleep. Those who are facing sleep disorders wake up tired irrespective of the amount of time in bed.

Drivers dose off in the day even if they sleep for longer hours at night. They need daytime naps for better performance.

The amount of sleep needed could be adjusted based on the circumstances. But the above thumb rule can be followed.