Sleep Talk

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4. You're quicker to move, and learn

Our mind and bodies learn new things while we sleep. Studying the night before a big test and then getting a full night’s sleep can solidify the material in your brain. Pulling an all-nighter without sleep can actually make it more difficult to learn new material.  But more than just brain cells learn and grow throughout the night! Our muscles, ligaments and tissues all learn new routines to help us physically maneuver throughout the world—whether it is to help with balance, new dance moves or picking up a new sport.  

MORE: Tricks to Get a Good Night's Sleep

5. You boost your "youth" hormones

Finally, human growth hormone (HGH) has its highest production during slow-wave sleep. HGH is a key player in keeping us looking young even after we’ve finished growing. HGH is produced by the pituitary gland and is in high levels during childhood and adolescence. After we’ve grown, HGH levels drop off and stay at low, steady levels during adulthood. Deficiencies in HGH can lead to reduced muscle mass, slower metabolism, more belly fat and sagging skin. Sleep more, and you’ll likely increase your HGH levels.

Even getting one or two fewer hours of sleep per night on a consistent basis can have long-term damaging effects for our bodies and mind. Regularly placing sleep at the bottom of your “to-do” list can make it harder for you to look and feel your best. If you don’t make sleep a priority, then you’re not making yourself a priority. And if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll have more trouble taking care of everyone else around you and crossing off all the other “to-dos” on your list. 

Make sleep a priority and you’ll look and feel a whole lot younger.

QUIZ: Are You Getting Beauty Sleep?