10 health benefits of sleep

1. Heart health: A study in 2010 showed that a protein with links to heart disease, the protein C-reactive, is more prevalent in those who got only six hours or less of sleep each night. So, if you suffer from heart problems or want to avoid heart problems, make sure to get plenty of sleep each night.
2. Attention span: Feeling drowsy? Lack of sleep can affect one's attention span. The journal Pediatrics released in 2009 the results of a study in which it was shown that children who got less than eight hours of sleep each night were much more likely to suffer symptoms similar to attention deficit disorders. Meaning, basically, a lack of an attention span.
3. Depression: According to Dr. Raymonde Jean of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center of New York City, getting good sleep regularly can help with anxiety and emotional stability and can contribute to depression. Dr. Jean also suggests that quality sleep needs to be regular, not just one or two days a week, for full effect.
4. Pregnancy: That's right. Sleep effects a woman's ability to become pregnant. A survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that women who worked late shifts, and thus suffered from better sleep, had a much more difficult time trying to become pregnant. If you're planning a family, it would seem good sleep is in order.
5. Weight: Trying to lose some weight? If so, you might consider more sleep and quality sleep. According to Speedsleep.com, people who have seven or fewer hours of sleep each night have a higher chance of being obese or overweight.
6. Inflammation: Inflammation in the body damages tissue, and can lead to all kinds of health problems from the flu to heart disease and more. And it's the body's immune system that is the first line of defense against inflammation. Research by the UCLA Cousins Center shows that those who do not get a good night's sleep are more prone to illnesses brought about my inflammation.
7. Allergies: A final verdict hasn't been fully given linking sleep with allergies, but a French study of almost 600 people found that those who did not get plenty of good sleep also suffered from allergies. Does this mean sleep can help with allergies? Or does it mean those with allergies have a harder time getting good sleep? Science doesn't know as of yet, but research continues.
8. Energy: This one should be common sense. The less sleep you have, especially quality sleep, the less stamina one is likely to have throughout the day. Keep in mind, if you are having serious problems getting sleep, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
9. Memory: Yes, sleep helps with memory and retaining memories. Not only does sleep allow the mind to rest and refresh daily, but during sleep our mind's are still performing tasks, what is called "memory consolidation." Basically, while sleeping, our minds work on problems, thus allowing us to learn even while we are out of it.
10. Arthritis: Because good sleep helps the body deal with inflammation, sleep is also good for arthritis because it is often inflammation in the body that causes the pain of arthritis.