Improve Sleep. Improve Health

Health Benefits of Sleep

Physical health benefits of sleep

Graphic of a weight for lifting.
  • Heart rate slows down and blood pressure decreases during sleep. 
  • Sleeping seven hours or more each night helps ensure blood sugar is regulated. 
  • Sleep restores and repairs the body by producing cytokines, which support the immune system in fighting infections. 
  • Sleep produces hormones that are necessary for repair of tissues that contribute to muscle growth. 
  • During sleep, the body produces more of an appetite suppressor, called leptin, which can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.  

Mental health benefits of sleep

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  • Good quality sleep can help reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. 
  • Waking up well-rested can have a positive impact on your mood.
  • According to The Sleep Foundation, college-aged students need 7-9 hours of sleep in order to avoid altered mood states. 
  • Sleep can help the brain grow, reorganize, restructure, and make new neural connections. 
  • A good night's sleep can help individuals learn new information and form memories. 

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