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Sleep is an inevitable part of our routine. The global COVID-19 outbreak has pushed almost everybody into a lockdown. People can't go anywhere, so there's little to do during the day. As a result, many have become accustomed to compromising on their sleep.
Scrolling through social media, watching TV shows, and binge-eating have taken over this precious time. However, not getting enough sleep can contribute to harsher consequences in a pandemic. You need to maintain a healthy sleep routine during a pandemic for the following reasons:
Sleep Reduces Stress
When you refuse to get enough sleep, you end up overworking your body. The cholesterol levels change dangerously and risk irregular blood pressure and a range of cardiovascular issues.
All this contributes to unnecessary stress and tires you out. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is linked with the control of stress-inducing hormones. Sleeping can keep your body and mind in a relatively relaxed state.
Sleep Reinforces Your Immune System
The ongoing pandemic has everybody worked up about their immune system. While a healthy diet and hygiene are essential for a strong immune system, you can't ignore the effects of a good night's sleep, either. If you get sufficient sleep anywhere from 6-8 hours of the day, you give your immune cells enough energy to defend your body.
The stronger your immune system, the more resistant you are against diseases. A sleep-deprived body, on the other hand, has weak immunity and gets sick quickly. Lack of sleep also means that your body is tired. This affects your defense mechanism, and the body takes longer to fight against and recover from illnesses.
Sleep Boosts Your Mood
Many of us tend to sleep when we're upset or unnerved. The coronavirus pandemic brings a barrel of mood swings for everyone. Whether you're struggling with assignments or facing financial problems, getting sleep can tone down the intensity of all your worries. There's little under our control right now, but controlling our mood isn't one of them.
Getting a healthy amount of sleep will keep you pumped up and give you a fresh start every day. Not only is this healthy for your body, but this has benefits for your brain as well. This also gives you a break from the constant bombardment of news regarding the virus and the unstable economic conditions.
Sleep Helps You with Physical Activity
To fall asleep, you need to be tired in the first place. The urge to sleep pushes you to spend your physical and mental energy throughout the day. You can read a book, do laundry, clean the house, cook something you like, or do anything to stay busy. Occupying yourself with tasks is the best way to let your body find the inclination to sleep for a few hours.
Naturally, you can sleep soundly instead of tossing and turning in your bed. You'll sleep well and then get the motivation to do something new and adventurous the next day as well. In short, sleeping helps in keeping your routine and health on the right track even during the quarantine.
Sleep Spurs Creativity and Sharpness
Sleep keeps you away from boredom and gloomy moods, too. It keeps you mentally and emotionally active and healthy. You have more energy to try out new experiments, even if you are stuck at home. This also keeps you far away from depression or chronic illnesses.
Sleeping also helps your brain focus better on your goals and tasks. Not getting enough sleep, deprives your brain of the necessary rest it requires. Therefore, you feel tired, jumpy, and have a lack of energy to focus on anything steadily.
On the other hand, a healthy dose of sleep keeps your brain from plunging into a bad phase. This is even more useful during pandemics because a healthy, functioning brain helps with keeping up a positive, motivated approach.
Taking care of your brain also allows you to focus better on your work. You can do better at chores, your job, online business, online classes, and other work you need to do.
Summary
Pandemics are definitely an unsettling time for all of us. You cannot fight these illnesses if you choose to neglect one of your most basic needs i.e., sleep.
A healthy diet, proper hygiene, and an appropriate mattress are the secrets for maintaining a healthy body. Your immune system fights better, your brain is more motivated, and your body is healthier to fight off the disease.
