5 Health Benefits of Sleep

Written by

Jacopo Artolli

Published in

Health & Beauty
Sleep is important—we’ve all heard it. But do you know the facts behind this age-old truth? Sublime Magazine reveals five key ways sleep impacts our well-being and why you should make it a priority.

Studies show that we spend about one-third of our lives asleep. Given its importance, you’d think we’d prioritise getting enough rest—but that’s not always the case. While most adults are advised to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, many fall short. In fact, a recent study found that only 15% of individuals consistently meet this recommendation for five or more nights per week.

Several common factors can interfere with a good night’s sleep. Screen time before bed exposes us to blue light, which suppresses melatonin production and makes it harder to fall asleep. An irregular sleep schedule disrupts the body’s internal clock, leading to poor sleep quality, while high stress levels keep the mind active, making it difficult to unwind at night. Other issues, such as consuming caffeine* or eating heavy meals too close to bedtime, can also prevent the body from properly winding down. Additionally, a poor sleep environment—whether it’s too noisy, bright, or uncomfortable—can make it challenging to fall and stay asleep.

According to the Sleep Matters Report by the Mental Health Foundation, sleep and overall health are deeply interconnected. Poor sleep can increase the risk of various health issues, while poor health can, in turn, make it harder to sleep. Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are often linked to sleep disturbances, and treating both simultaneously is often the most effective approach.

A power nap—a short nap lasting 10 to 30 minutes—can offer a quick boost in energy, alertness, and cognitive function without causing grogginess. While power naps can complement a healthy sleep routine, they should not replace proper nighttime rest. They are particularly helpful when experiencing an energy dip, such as in the afternoon. However, relying on naps due to chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt the circadian rhythm and lead to long-term sleep issues. To maximise benefits, power naps should be taken before 3 PM to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep.

A good sleeping routine can help with the following five aspects of our lives.

Brain Function

Sleep is important for the brain to function in different ways. In fact, cognition, concentration and productivity are all severely  impacted by lack of sleep. Being well rested enhances your problem-solving skills and memory. It is no surprise that adequate sleep has long been correlated to strong academic and professional excellence.


Emotional Regulation

Sleep allows your body and mind relax after a long and challenging day. When you get a good rest, the body manages to reduce its level of cortisol and other stress hormones that lead to depression. It has been shown that well-rested individuals react more positively to stress and negative situations that may occur during the day.


Weight management

Adequate sleep has been linked to healthy weight management, meaning that individuals who sleep adequately are less likely to become overweight or obese. It appears that insufficient sleep negatively impacts ghrelin and leptin, two hormones that are responsible for controlling your appetite levels.


Athletic Performance

Sleep has often been linked to enhance athletic performance, especially at the elite level where the difference between success and failure is so marginal. Getting a good night’s rest is believed to promote faster running speeds, greater strength and higher endurance amongst other key benefits.


Healthy Skin

Quality sleep keeps our hormonal system in check, which helps our skin looking healthy and vibrant. Not only that, our hydration and circulation system is also maintained during the night. This helps us avoid dark circles and puffy skin in the morning time.


*Caffeine is commonly found in a variety of consumer products, including:

  1. Coffee & Tea – Regular and decaffeinated coffee (which still contains small amounts of caffeine), black tea, green tea, matcha, and yerba mate.
  2. Soft Drinks – Cola-based sodas (e.g., Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, and their diet versions).
  3. Energy Drinks – Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and similar beverages.
  4. Chocolate & Cocoa Products – Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, hot cocoa, and some chocolate-flavored snacks.
  5. Over-the-Counter Medications – Pain relievers (e.g., Excedrin, Midol), weight-loss supplements, and migraine treatments often contain caffeine.
  6. Pre-Workout & Fitness Supplements – Many pre-workout powders and fat-burning supplements include caffeine for energy-boosting effects.

 

– Article Main Photo by Tim Durgan



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