Skip to Site Header Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer

Unlocking the Power of Rest: Discover the Health Benefits of Relaxation

Tara Youngblood Sep 12, 2022

The benefits of rest and relaxation

There is no question that we care about helping you find a great night’s sleep. We’ve discussed in the past if sleeping in the cold offers benefits and how it can improve your health, but do you know why you should care about the importance of rest?

Reenergize with the help of the Chilipad.

Eliminate night sweats with the Chilipad Dock Pro bed cooling system, designed to help you sleep colder at night. Schedule different temperatures, ranging from 55-115°F.

The Benefits of Rest and Relaxation

The recommended amount of sleep for the average adult is around 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Not only can the proper amount of sleep help you feel more rested and less stressed, but it can also positively influence your overall health.

We’ll cover some of the benefits of rest and why rest is so important, so now you’ll know why you need a good night’s rest.

Read More: The Benefits of Naps

Helps Improve Memory

While you sleep, your mind practices what is known as “consolidation.” This time is essential because your brain manages and stores your memories. If an individual is not getting enough sleep, they risk having their memories stored incorrectly or not at all.

If you’re trying to learn something new or are working on a new project, it’s imperative to sleep well so that your brain can adequately organize what you’ve learned. In addition to learning new things, a full night’s sleep will also improve your brain health so you can better store your thoughts and memories. Keep your memories and get quality sleep.

Reduces Stress

In addition to properly managing your stress, getting the right amount of sleep can affect your cardiovascular health. For example, individuals with less stress have better control of their blood pressure.

Not only can a lack of sleep leave individuals more irritable, but it can also influence a variety of issues that we will discuss today - problems that will ultimately impact one’s stress level. The bottom line is that more sleep means less stress.

Read: How to Sleep When You Are Stressed

Improves Attention Span

Concentrating can be challenging when you’re suffering from a lack of sleep. Whether at work, school or during day-to-day activities, having an improved attention span will help you focus and get your work done.

Better sleep could also help you with your creativity and help you make more informed decisions, which, as we discussed above, directly affects your stress level.

Creates Safer Conditions

As we’ve covered, sleep deprivation can significantly impair an individual’s ability to concentrate on the task at hand. Studies show that one in five automobile accidents occur due to “drowsy” driving, which is around one million accidents per year. [1]

Preparing for your day with a good night’s sleep is incredibly important because it has the potential to lower your risk of injury. If you want to make the roads safer for yourself and others, do your part by getting to bed at a reasonable time.

Improves Weight Loss

If you’re wondering why the number on the scale isn’t moving, think about how much you’re sleeping. Sleep deprivation is linked to weight gain and obesity for a variety of reasons. Not only does it affect how your body reacts to insulin, but a lack of sleep can actually make you feel more hungry.

Research has shown that dieters who get more rest lose more fat, while those who are sleep-deprived lose muscle mass. [2] In addition to the internal effects sleep, deprivation can have on your weight loss journey when you’re physically tired it could also lessen the chance that you will have the desire to exercise. If you’re not exercising, you have less of a chance to lose weight.

Exercise Training can improve sleep

Become Physically Stronger

Just as more sleep is shown to help individuals lose fat rather than muscle mass, getting a better night’s sleep can also help you become stronger. In a study where athletes slept for ten hours for approximately seven weeks, researchers noticed that those same athletes were more alert and agile, and had better reaction times than before. [3]

So, not only will a better night’s sleep aid with fat loss, it can also strengthen your muscles. If you’re wanting an edge over the competition, consider getting more rest.

Health Benefits of Rest and Relaxation

Your immune system depends on your ability to get a restful night’s sleep. Studies have shown that sleeping less than seven hours a night suppresses it and increases your chance of catching a common cold or worse.

Read More: How Long Should a Nap Be?

A good night’s sleep can improve immunity and reduce inflammatory properties in the bloodstream. This is important because inflammation is linked to various unfortunate side effects, such as premature aging, diabetes, stroke, and more.

Getting enough rest can help you in various ways.

  • Improve Memory
  • Improve Better Mental Health
  • Increase Concentration
  • Improve Metabolism
  • Enhance Your Mood
  • Create a Healthier Immune System

Final Thought

As you can see, making time to unwind and decompress is not just a luxury—it's a crucial aspect of maintaining good health. The benefits of relaxation extend from improving mental clarity and emotional resilience to enhancing physical health and boosting immune function.

Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine can have a significant impact on your present comfort and long-term health. It's essential to remember that taking time to rest doesn't mean being idle. Instead, it's about recharging your body and mind to live your life to the fullest. Embrace the power of rest and observe how it transforms your overall well-being and happiness.

Citations/Resources

[1] Tefft, B.C. (2010). The Prevalence and Impact of Drowsy Driving (Technical Report). Washington, D.C.: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

[2] Papatriantafyllou E, Efthymiou D, Zoumbaneas E, Popescu CA, Vassilopoulou E. Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients. 2022 Apr 8;14(8):1549. doi: 10.3390/nu14081549. PMID: 35458110; PMCID: PMC9031614.

[3] Mah CD, Mah KE, Kezirian EJ, Dement WC. The effects of sleep extension on the athletic performance of collegiate basketball players. Sleep. 2011 Jul 1;34(7):943-50. doi: 10.5665/SLEEP.1132. PMID: 21731144; PMCID: PMC3119836.

SHARE