3 Reasons Why Getting Enough Sleep Is Important To Stay Healthy

Insufficient sleep or sleep deprivation is linked to several chronic illnesses such as depression, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cancer. But aside from those diseases, lack of sleep is also connected to car accidents and occupational errors.

Speaking of work blunders, Arianna Huffington recently presented pressing proofs in her new book "The Sleep Revolution" about how sleep deprivation affects employees' performances. According to Huffington Post, Huffington found that lack of adequate sleep can dull motor skills and reaction can be slowed.

Sleep deprivation appears to be a minor problem. Unfortunately, it has become an alarming issue since about 70 million Americans are suffering from chronic sleep and wakefulness disorders.

So, why is adequate sleep is important? Here are 3 reasons why getting enough sleep can help people stay healthy.

1. Adequate sleep can keep colds and other infections at bay.

Scientists have recently confirmed that a sleeping seven to eight hours every night can lower the risks of infections such as flu, ear infections and pneumonia. Sleep-deprived individuals, on the other hand, had more than 80 percent chance of contracting infections, UPI notes.

"People who sleep five or fewer hours on average are at substantially increased risk for both colds whether head or chest or other infections, compared to people who sleep seven to eight hours on average," University of California assistant psychology professor and researcher Aric Prather said.

2. Adequate sleep can boost the proper functioning of the immune system.

Getting enough sleep can reduce the risks of diseases over time. Fox News adds that adequate sleep can also lessen the direct impact of stress on cardiovascular, endocrine and immune functioning.

3. Adequate sleep can lower the risks of obesity and diabetes.

Having a good night's sleep can reduce the risks of obesity and diabetes. The reason? Let's just say that having enough sleep can help the body to metabolize sugar and can boost one's drive to exercise.

"Short sleepers are less likely to exercise and more likely to engage in less than ideal nutrition that, again over time, can affect health," Prather added.