Is 8 hours of sleep really necessary to stay healthy? The study revealed something shocking

News Topical, Digital Desk : A recent study conducted by British Columbia University claims that not every person needs a fixed amount of sleep. According to research, the need for sleep also depends on the country, culture or environment in which you live.

This study included about 5,000 people from 20 countries. The research found that on an average people in Canada sleep for 7 hours 27 minutes, in France it is 7 hours 52 minutes, while in Japan this time is only 6 hours 18 minutes. Surprisingly, people from countries who sleep less are not necessarily more sick. This simply means that 8 hours of sleep is not necessary for everyone.

How much sleep is right?

The truth is that sleep needs vary depending on the lifestyle, age, health and environment of each individual. 8 hours is a general guideline that fits most people, but it does not work as a 'one size fits all' formula for everyone.

For example, people who are obese or have sleep disorders such as sleep apnea may need more sleep. On the other hand, people who work too much or suffer from mental stress have different sleep needs.

Why is good sleep important?

Sleeping less in a day may get you some work done, but it affects your health slowly. During sleep, the body repairs itself, fights diseases and recharges the brain.

If you do not sleep properly, your immunity can weaken. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, lack of sleep can cause problems like stress, anxiety, blood sugar imbalance and inflammation. In the long run, its effect can be seen in the form of diseases like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

Signs of lack of sleep

If you are seeing these symptoms in your body, then understand that you are not getting enough sleep.

Mental impact

• Trouble focusing
• irritability
• the habit of forgetting
• Difficulty managing stress

Physical effects

• Dark circles under the eyes
• Tiredness and headache
• falling sick frequently
• No weight gain or loss
• Constant yawning during the day

If you are experiencing many of these symptoms, it is important to pay attention to your sleeping patterns.

Factors affecting sleep

Every person's sleep requirement is different. It is affected by some important factors:

• Internal clock:  Our body has an internal clock, which decides the time of sleep and wakefulness based on light and darkness. Let us tell you, using mobile or laptop late at night can disturb this clock.
• Bad lifestyle: Eating at odd hours, consuming caffeine or staying up late at night affects your sleep.
• Age: Children and teens need more sleep, while older people can get by with less sleep.
• Stress: Taking too much stress increases the level of 'cortisol' hormone in the body, which drives away sleep.

Ways to improve sleep

• Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day
• Stay away from mobile and screen at night
• Avoid heavy meals and caffeine before bedtime
• Make the bedroom calm and comfortable
• Do meditation or yoga to avoid stress

Read More: These 5 habits are secretly harming your heart, change them in time; otherwise you will regret later