Get Better Sleep, Enjoy Better Health

Many say they want better sleep but don't take the time, or spend the money, to get the mattress that could help them the most. Knowing some of these facts may help convince you to rethink your priorities.

TOP 10 REASONS TO GET BETTER SLEEP:

Your long-term health. Too little sleep increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Your short-term health. Lack of sleep weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds or the flu. Weight gain. Lack of sleep adversely affects your brain's ability to control your appetite. Concentration and focus. Without enough sleep, your brain can't do its job, impairing your short- and long-term memory and decision-making skills. Accidents. Sleep deprivation has played a role in major catastrophes and countless auto accidents and on-the-job injuries. See: Three Mile Island. Your sex drive. Lack of sleep kills it. Enough said.

Lack of sleep kills your sex drive. Enough said.

Depression. Insomnia can lead to symptoms of this life-altering condition. Early wrinkles. An overtired body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can break down collagen, which keeps skin smooth and elastic. Moodiness. Constant exhaustion affects your personality, resulting in a shorter temper and mood swings. Don't play with fire. A Harvard Med School study concluded that sleeping five hours or less a night increased the risk of death from all causes by 15%.