We all sleep. It's literally necessary to our survival. And, if we're very lucky, we sleep for at least eight hours per night — although this isn't always the easiest amount of time to guarantee.
While there never seems to be enough hours in the day, it's very important to try to put a decent amount of time aside for sleep. There's nothing like a good night of sleep to get your system feeling good again. Whether you're feeling sick or just run down from your everyday life, sleep is the cure. A little bit of extra sleep can truly go a long way!
Not only does it improve your mood, however, there are a lot of little things that go on with your body throughout the night that are beneficial to your health. Additionally, sleeping also does some unexpected and wacky things to your body.
As you're about to read below, there's also a lot more going on with your body during the night than you could've ever imagined.
#1: You Get Colder
According to Michael Breus, PhD, who is a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, just prior to falling asleep, your body temperature begins to drop. This decrease in temperature tells your body to release melatonin and signals to your body that it's time for bed.
#2: You Lose Weight
Through perspiration and breathing out humid air, you lose weight while you sleep. Be sure to get a good amount of sleep to take advantage of this weight-loss trick.
#3: You Grow
As Dr. Breus explains, the discs in your spine aren't being pressed down while you sleep — as they are during the day — and so they are able to rehydrate and grow. While this height increase may not be noticeable, it is happening.
#4: Your Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drop
A body at rest means an internal system at rest. Your organs don't have to work as hard while you're sleeping as they do during the day, so everything calms down, so to speak.
#5: Your Eyes Move
Scientists aren't quite sure why, but during REM sleep your eyes dart back and forth. This sounds like something from a horror movie!
#6: You Get Aroused
Because your brain is so active during REM sleep, it requires more oxygen to flow through your body which leads to a little bit of extra stimulation. Just as men get erections during the night, women become just as sexually aroused when they're in the same stage of sleep.
#7: You Pass Gas
Because your body is more relaxed, it's likely that a fart or two will sneak its way out while your sleep. But, not to worry, your sense of smell isn't as strong while you're asleep so no one will notice.
#8: You Spaz Out
It's completely normal for a person's body to give a full jerk as they fall asleep. While there isn't an exact reason for this, it may be linked to anxiety or a messy sleep pattern.
#9: Your Skin Gets A Workout
Because you fast while you sleep, your body releases growth hormones. This leads to collagen growth — which makes blood vessels stronger and gives your skin its elasticity. So basically, better sleep equals better skin.
#10: Your Muscles Freeze
Did you ever have a dream that you were being chased? Well, this temporary sleep paralysis is what keeps you from acting out your dreams. That way you don't spend your whole night running from imaginary monsters!
Please SHARE if you're stunned by any of these things that happen once you fall asleep!
