[dropcap]S[/dropcap]leep is one of the most important things we do in our lives. On average, an adult human needs seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep to function properly. Lack of adequate sleep affects every aspect of our lives, including our studies, career, health, and more.
But one of the silent martyrs of inadequate sleep has to be our relationships, which take the blow and, over time, often deteriorate beyond repair.
There may be several causes of poor sleep including stress, underlying illnesses, lack of a quiet environment, a lousy bedroom environment which may require a better bed and mattress, uncomfortable or dirty sheets, a proper nightstand light, and so on.
Below are five ways sleep can positively impact your relationships.
1. Increased Energy
When you receive adequate sleep, the damaged cells of the body get enough time to heal and repair. That way, you wake up feeling well-rested and fresh. When you do not get enough of it, your brain and muscles are less likely to recover from the work you put them through the day before, leaving you feeling groggy and tired. When this continues over days and weeks, you end up foggy and sluggish all the time. Catching up on much-needed sleep helps you wake up feeling energized. That way, you can actually spend more quality time with the people you care about.
2. Stable and Happier Mood
Being sleep deprived leaves you feeling tired when you wake up. And more often than not, lack of it may cause you to start your day in a grumpy mood. If this sleep shortage continues, you might notice your mood swings and emotional outbursts getting worse. If you get adequate sleep on a regular basis, you’re more likely to experience mental calm and stability, which helps you better respond to coworkers, family members, and friends. Waking up well-rested sets you up for a good mood so that you can approach your day and relationships with a more positive attitude.
3. Improved Mental Health
Over a longer period, inadequate sleep can aggravate and even trigger mood disorders. People who have pre-existing mental health conditions often see a worsening in their symptoms if they skip out on sleep. Sleeplessness can also be a sign of a decline in mental health, in which case, immediate medical help must be sought as it can even lead to episodes of mania, delusions, increased paranoia, and emotional breakdowns. Poor sleep has a direct and massive impact on various mental health disorders, to the point that it can be one of the leading causes. With regular and adequate sleep, your mental health is more likely to stay stable. That way, you’re less likely to have outbursts in front of friends or family members, and you’re more likely to feel engaged each time you meet them, rather than aggressive, depressed or unfocused.
4. Better Physical Health
While we sleep, our body does the much-needed work of repairing and healing the worn out and damaged tissues, which suffer the wear and tear of the day. But when you do not get enough quality sleep, especially over an extended period of time, this process does not happen, leaving the body’s natural functions hampered. Our hormones, organs and overall nervous system follow a routine, or the body clock, and deviating from it can permanently damage your body. This can lead to a number of health issues such as digestive problems, ulcers, nausea, headaches, and more. Developing a proper sleep routine and ensuring you get adequate rest can help prevent a number of ailments and improve your quality of life. This ensures that each time you see your loved ones, it’s not because they’re visiting you by your bedside, while you’re ill.
5. Fewer Fights and Arguments
Any lack of sleep will make you feel cranky and irritable, which can cause major harm to your relationships. When you do not get enough sleep and when the body and mind are not rested enough, you wake up aggravated and short-tempered. Over time, this increases your likelihood of experiencing a foul mood, prompting fights, and having regular outbursts against people you care about. Often, you might unleash your anger in response to the smallest provocations. This can lead to friends and family members getting hurt and slowly drifting away from you. In extreme cases, they disappear from your life altogether if you’re always acting out. With better sleep, you’re less likely to wake up irritated and in a toxic mood. Instead, you’ll find yourself behaving better towards others, which in turn, will improve all the relationships around you.
Hattip to The Frisky
