Sleep is important for your health and well-being. It can help you manage stress, make better decisions, and even improve your immune system. But that doesn't mean it's easy to get enough of it. But getting enough sleep has a whole host of benefits for your body, including helping you maintain a healthy weight, boosting your immune system, and even helping you live longer.
Here are four ways sleep impacts women's health:
1. Hormones And Sleep
Women tend to have more restless nights than men, thanks to their fluctuating hormone levels. Oestrogen levels rise during the day and drop at night, causing many women to wake up several times during the night. And when your oestrogen levels are low, it causes an increase in stress hormones that can make you feel anxious or depressed—a common problem for women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A women's health clinic can help you manage your sleep problems and mood swings by prescribing birth control pills that regulate your hormones.
2. Weight Gain And Sleep
A lack of sleep can make you feel sluggish, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Sleep deprivation can also lead to a decline in metabolic rate, which makes it harder for your body to burn calories. And when you don't get enough sleep, your appetite hormones start working overtime and your brain releases more of the hormone ghrelin—which stimulates hunger.
3. Skin Issues And Sleep
When you don't get enough sleep, stress levels increase and cortisol levels rise. High levels of cortisol cause inflammation throughout the body, which can affect skin health by causing redness or blotchiness. If you have sensitive skin, lack of sleep can lead to redness and breakouts. Your body also releases more pro-inflammatory cytokines when you don't get enough sleep, which can cause acne. A women's health clinic can help you determine if you have a sleep disorder, and a doctor can prescribe medication to help treat it.
4. Woman's Mental Health And Sleep
When you don't get enough sleep, it can affect your mental health. When you're tired, you may experience worsened feelings of depression or anxiety. This can be especially difficult for women who are already dealing with postpartum depression or perimenopausal symptoms. Mental health issues can also cause sleep problems. If you're feeling anxious or depressed, it may be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
If you would like to learn more about the connection between sleep and women's health, chat with your doctor. They can help you identify any issues that may be affecting your sleep and recommend treatment options.
