We’ve discussed the different foods that you should work into incorporating into your daily diet, but increased longevity and optimum health go beyond what you’re putting into your mouth.
One of the most important aspects of living your best life is to get plenty of rest.
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of getting enough sleep. Poor sleep can boost insulin resistance, interrupt hormone levels and ultimately reduces both mental and physical performance.
Further, lack of sleep will put you at risk of depression and anxiety but it can also put you at risk of suffering a heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
It can also age you rapidly. Lack of sleep will first affect your physical appearance, leaving you with premature wrinkling and dark circles around your eyes.
Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can increase your levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which will break down collagen, reducing your skin elasticity and making you look twice your age.
Sleep is no joke. Make sure that you make it a priority to get enough sleep every night.
Not sure how much sleep you should get?
According to the National Sleep Foundation, who created a report based on two years of research, the average person between 36- 64 years of age should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep a day.
Teenagers between the ages of 14-17, should get 8-10 hours of sleep and older adults, 65 years of age or older only need 7-8 hours of sleep.