New research shows not getting a has become as big a risk to your health as poor diet and lack of exercise. This epidemic of sleeplessness did not happen overnight.   (Pun intended.)   The invention of the light bulb, increase in shift working, our 24-7 world, TVs in the bedroom and of   course the internet have all played major roles in this plague.   Roughly 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year.

Before Netflix, social media, cell phones and uber eats, sleep cycles were closely associated with sunrise and sunset. We are messing with Mother Nature and we all know, she always wins!   Getting a good night’s sleep will improve your life. Always remember to make your bedroom a haven for good rest.   It starts with a great mattress.   (We love .)

Here are 6 reasons to shut down and get some shut-eye.

1.   Live longer.   Our body requires sleep. If you follow the signals, your body will let you know when it needs rest. When you sleep, your bodily functions, cardiovascular systems and hormone leves optimize.     Conversely, when we don’t get quality sleep, our bodily functions decrease in efficiency and our lifespan shrinks.

2.   Weight Loss/Maintenance.   Not getting enough Z’s, even by just 30 minutes, can increase your risk of obesity and diabetes.   The more sleep-deprived you are, the higher your levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which increases your appetite. Sleep more, eat less!   Now that’s a diet I can get on board with.

3. Focus – Neurological science shows that the brain clears itself   of toxins when you sleep. Just like you take the trash out of your house you have to let sleep take out the trash in your mind.   More focus means less accidents. According to the CDC, there are around 6,000 fatalities each year attributed to traffic accidents involving a sleep-deprived driver.

4.   Prevent illness and disease. Some doctors believe we should have the same attitude towards getting enough sleep as we would about getting enought exercise. We all know exercise is good for our heart, mood and immune system.   The same is true of sleep! During sleep, the immune system releases proteins the promote sleep and fight infection. Not getting a good night’s sleep can decrease the production of these proteins, making you more prone to illness, inflammation and disease.

5.   Look younger.  Sleep encourages the body to produce human growth hormone or HGH, especially if   get a good night’s sleep. HGH helps to maintain skin elasticity and triggers the body to produce collagen, which can prevent the appearance of wrinkles on your face.   In addition skin cells have time to repair during sleep, leaving you with a glowing complexion.   Getting a full 8 hours of sleep helps to reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.

6. Be Happy!   When we’re sleep deprived, our risk for depression increases and we’re more likely to experience higher stress levels. If you’ve ever had a bout with insomnia, you know how weary, emotional and cranky you can become by day’s end.