Why You Must Sleep For At Least 8 Hours At Night? Expert Explains

Maintaining general health and wellbeing requires getting a good night's sleep. Adults are often advised to aim for at least 8 hours of sleep every night in order to guarantee that they wake up feeling revitalised and renewed. Your body goes through a difficult process of healing and regeneration during these hours of sleep.

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining both your physical and mental health, in addition to making you feel more focused and awake during the day. Your body performs several essential functions when you sleep, including immune system support, memory consolidation, and tissue growth and repair.

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining both your physical and mental health. (Image Credit: Canva)

On the other hand, a lack of sleep over an extended period of time can cause a number of health problems, such as elevated stress, a compromised immune system, and an increased chance of long-term ailments like diabetes and heart disease.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, who is a general physician of internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, exclusively told Jagran English about why you must sleep for at least 8 hours at night.

Also Read: What Are The Reasons For Your Grey Hair At An Early Age? Expert Explains

Dr. Rakesh said, "Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night is a crucial aspect of maintaining your overall health and well-being. It is vital for your physical health, as it allows our bodies to repair and regenerate. During sleep, our immune system gets a boost, your muscles recover, and metabolic processes run smoothly. It is also essential for cognitive function, supporting memory consolidation, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall cognitive performance."

He added, "Moreover, it is also linked with a longer lifespan, with people consistently getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep statistically living longer and having a lower risk of premature death. Sleep helps manage stress by regulating the production of stress hormones, contributing to emotional stability. Furthermore, it improves physical safety by enhancing coordination and reaction times, reducing the risk of accidents, especially while driving."

Your body goes through a difficult process of healing and regeneration during these hours of sleep. (Image Credit: Canva)

Also Read: Top 10 Motivational Quotes For People To Get Over The Depression Cycle

At last, Dr. Rakesh said, "Insufficient sleep can increase the risk of various health issues, from obesity to heart disease and diabetes. It can also lead to mood swings, irritability, and a higher risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, lack of sleep disrupts hormonal processes, potentially leading to weight gain and stress-related health issues."