Is a good nights sleep really that important?

Do you battle with the age old fight between getting your Z's and finishing those last minute chores, working late or watching your favorite TV show that comes on late at night? Well, you are not alone. Most Americans do not get enough sleep every night. But did you know it's equally important to get quality sleep, not just quantity? Don't take my word for it, here are some ways sleep (or lack there of) can affect your health.

1. Sleep keeps your heart healthy. A lack of sleep has been associated with worsening blood pressure and cholesterol, which increase the risk for heart disease and stroke.

2. Sleep May Prevent Cancer. At night your body produces melatonin. Melatonin helps protect against cancer and appears to suppress the growth of tumors. By not getting enough sleep (exposing yourself to lights) you reduce the levels of melatonin in your body.

3. Sleep Helps Reduce Stress. When your body is sleep deprived it goes into a state of stress. This causes your body to go on 'high alert' which causes your blood pressure to rise and your body will produce more of the stress hormone. Unfortunately when your body is stressed you are less likely to sleep well.

4. Sleep May Help you to lose Weight. (YAY!!!) The hormones ghrelin and leptin are important for the regulation of your appetite and when you are sleep deprived these hormones are disrupted. Thus making you hungrier and making it harder to lose weight.

5. Sleep Can Benefit Your Skin. When you sleep your facial muscles relax thus helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines on your face. The lack of facial expressions at night allows the dermal layers of your skin to rejuvenate. You will notice when you are sleep deprived your skin looks dull, drawn, stressed, dark circles and bags under the eyes and more noticeable fine lines and wrinkles.

These are just a few of the reasons why you should make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep every night, but the list goes on. You have to allow your body time to heal from the daily stress. So find ways to relax (massages are a great way to relax), unwind and get to bed earlier. And don't forget you gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend....so enjoy it!!!

For those fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and dull skin you may already have try quality skin care products (such a Dermalogica) and treat yourself to an Oxygen facial.