When’s the last time you’ve had a good night’s sleep? If you’re like many people, then it may have been a while. According to a study by Consumer Reports, 27% of Americans have trouble falling and staying asleep most nights, while 68% struggle with sleep at least once a week.
If you do feel like you aren’t getting enough rest each night, going to sleep early can help you get the sleep you need. But what makes going to bed early so great?
Keep reading to learn about some of the many different benefits of sleeping early.
Improved Sleep Quality
If you often stay up late to finish work, it might seem like the perfect time to get things done. However, be mindful of when you burn the midnight oil. Studies have shown that how early you go to sleep has a direct effect on how well you sleep.
As you sleep, your brain moves from two cycles: REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM (non-rapid eye movement). Although both are beneficial, non-REM sleep cycles are better and restorative.
Non-REM makes up the majority of the sleep you get at the beginning of the night. This means that when you go to bed early, you get to enjoy all the benefits that go along with it.
Lower Chance of Developing Diseases
Most people try to live as healthy of a lifestyle as possible to cut down on the risk of different diseases. But did you know that sleeping early can also help you in that endeavor?
Some organizations such as the World Health Organization have classified night shifts as a possible cause of cancer, as it interferes with your body’s circadian rhythm or body clock.
On the other hand, sleeping early and getting good rest can help reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases. It’s also a good way to cut down on your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Better Memory
Do you often struggle to remember whether or not you did something? Do you forget things unless you write them down? If you do, going to bed at an earlier hour might help you out.
Numerous studies have shown that both humans and animals require sufficient sleep (around seven to eight hours) to process and recall information. Getting enough sleep, therefore, has a huge impact on learning and memory.
Yet aside from affecting your short-term attention span, a lack of sleep can also affect your long-term memory. Make sure to go to bed early to prevent the loss of what you’ve learned in the past.
More Energy
Everyone can agree upon the fact that after a good night’s sleep, you feel more rested. But why is that?
When you sleep, your body uses that time to repair muscles, repair tissues, and release growth hormones. All of this helps restore what your body loses during the day.
On the other hand, when you don’t get enough sleep, most people feel exhausted and sluggish. This is because you didn’t give your body enough time to “reset” and do everything that it needed to do.
Better Moods
It’s hard to feel happy when there’s such a short amount of daylight, which is why seasonal depression is something that many people have. However, going to bed early can help resolve that.
When you have enough exposure to sunlight, your brain releases serotonin. This is the hormone that helps you feel happy and calm.
Going to bed early means that you’re also more likely to wake up early. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the sunlight of the day, regardless of whether it’s July or November.
A Tougher Immune System
Are you someone who always seems to get sick? If you are, take a look at your sleep schedule. Getting it under control might help solve the problem.
Many studies have demonstrated the correlation between sleep and your immune system. When you don’t get enough sleep, you weaken your immune system, increasing your chances of getting sick.
On the other hand, getting the recommended seven to eight hours will help supercharge your immune system, giving it the strength it needs to fight off viruses and bacteria. Going to bed early gives it plenty of time to accomplish all that it needs to.
Better Skin
Everyone wants glowy and beautiful skin, which is why skincare and beauty businesses make millions each year. But do you know what the secret to having nice skin is? Aside from drinking lots of water, it’s getting enough sleep!
As is the case with other parts of your body, sleep gives your skin the time it needs to reset and recharge. This involves everything from shedding dead skin cells to repairing imperfections.
When you stay up late and don’t get enough rest, you don’t give your skin the break it needs. Instead of helping you look young and beautiful, staying up late puts you on the fast track to premature aging and breakouts.
Hit the hay earlier, and you may be pleasantly surprised at what you see when you check the mirror in the morning. If you need help falling asleep, consider taking sleep vitamins with melatonin.
Enjoy These Benefits of Sleeping Early
If you live a busy and chaotic life (as so many of us do), it can be hard to get to bed at a reasonable hour. But doing so is important, and as this guide explains, there are so many benefits of sleeping early. Try to hit the hay earlier tonight, and tomorrow you’ll be thankful that you did.
Do you now have a better idea of why going to sleep early is so great? Before you turn out the light, take a moment to check out some of our other blog posts for more guides and tips.
