6 Sleep Facts You Probably Never Knew 

Did you know that if a person lives for an average number of years, which is 72.6, he or she will clock an estimated 229,000 hours of sleep? This is about a third of your life. Sleep is rejuvenating. It gives your body and brain energy while triggering healing. Here are six sleep facts you probably never knew. 

1. Not Sleeping Increases Your Feelings of Hunger 

When your body reaches a deep state of sleep, it adjusts the hormones that manage your hunger. If you don’t get enough sleep, then your body releases more of the leptin hormone, which is the one that makes you feel hungry. Not only does not sleeping make you feel hungrier, but it also makes you crave sugar more. In fact, it increases the craving by about 45%. 

2. People Take Brief Naps While Sitting or Standing 

Humans take brief naps during the day, and they might even do it without realizing it. These microsleep moments may happen to give your brain a chance to recharge. They can be dangerous if they occur when you’re driving. Also, did you know that your body wants to have a nap every day around 2pm? 

3. People Delay Sleep on Purpose

Humans are the only creatures that delay sleep. Does this mean that animals and other creatures have an advantage on us? Since they can instantly fall asleep, it would appear that they do. When we postpone sleep to watch our favorite show or read just one more chapter, we are turning our backs on nature. 

4. Sleep Helps You Remember 

When people get the proper amount of sleep, they have a better memory. Research shows that sleep helps your brain compile information and stimulate a better memory. If you’re pulling an all nighter to cram for a midterm, then you are likely torturing yourself for no reason. Proper sleep is a better way to remember stuff. 

5. Some People Fear Sleep 

It sounds weird, but there is a disorder called Somniphobia. Those who have it fear sleep. If you have Somniphobia, then you might start to feel anxious when the skies grow dark and the sun begins to set. It may lead to sleep deprivation. People who have the condition state that they fear dying in their sleep. 

6. A Lack of Sleep Can Kill You 

It’s common to think that if you go days without food, then you’ll die, and while this is accurate information, did you know that sleep deprivation can kill you too? The official record for how long a person has ever gone without sleeping is 264.4 hours. The record is held by Randy Gardner, a high school student who decided to embark on a lack of sleep science experiment. According to research, your body begins to react negatively to sleep deprivation after just 24 hours without sleep. When you’re sleep deprived, your brain will experience cognitive issues. You might have trouble connecting thoughts, and your decision-making abilities will suffer. 

Sleep for Your Health and Happiness 

Despite all the time that humans spend sleeping, there’s still a lot that we don’t know. To stay healthy, be sure to get from seven to nine hours of sleep each night.