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Why Keeping Warm During Winter Nights Is Essential For Your Health & Immunity

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Winter is an eventful time for most of us, to say the least. As the days grow shorter, the nights begin to stretch on and a serene blanket of inactivity falls over the surroundings, while temperatures plummet. 

Under this deceptive front of reduced activity, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. Christmas is right around the corner, children want to get into the festive spirit by building snowmen and getting into snowball fights and with a lesser variety of produce available, everyone needs to start preparing for the long and chilly months ahead.

The importance of keeping warm during winter has been preached to all of us since childhood. There’s much more at stake here than catching a cold though! Winter nights in particular are times when it is absolutely crucial to ensure you and your surroundings are warm and toasty. Let’s take a closer look at why winter warmth is so important!

The Importance Of Sleep

Sleep is one of the basic necessities for human survival. It kickstarts rest and recovery, allowing our body to function at the highest level during the day. While asleep, is also when our bodies are vulnerable and susceptible to the effects of our environment. While we are asleep our bodies carry out - 

  • Digestion of food

  • Rest and replenishment of energy levels

  • Growth (in case of children and youth)

  • Repair of damage, injuries, illness and cells

  • High functioning of nervous system and brain

While the exterior might indicate otherwise, our body is far from inactive while we are asleep. The above listed functions are all important and require considerable amounts of energy. This is where the problem of winters comes in. If the body is not warm enough or if the surroundings are too chilly, the body is forced to devote the majority of its energy and efforts towards producing heat in order to keep you warm!

What Does Cold Weather Do To The Body?

Many animals such as bears, bees, squirrels, types of turtles, skunks and groundhogs amongst others, hibernate during the winters. While human beings do not hibernate, survival is little more difficult during winters than it is during the rest of the year. Cold temperatures affect the body in various ways, including - 

  • Lower heart rate and reduced blood circulation. Cold can cause the arteries and blood vessels to narrow. In winters, the heart needs to work extra hard to ensure proper blood supply to all parts of the body.

  • Cold air negatively affects the respiratory system, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, breathlessness and other issues.

  • The skin is at increased risk during winters. People exposed to cold may suffer from dry skin while in worst case scenarios, frostbite is a very real danger.

  • The immune system can be compromised much more easily in cold surroundings, as the body’s resources are directed elsewhere to keep warm. Recovery and healing is slower while the effects of minor ailments can be magnified and sickness may linger longer.

  • Body temperatures drop, leaving elderly citizens at risk of hypothermia and other serious health issues. 

  • As much as I love a good salad, winter calls for a different diet. Hearty soups, broths and comfort food are what the body needs. A lightweight or unbalanced diet leads to surprisingly fast and unhealthy weight loss during winters.

As you can see, cold temperatures slow down the overall functioning and effectiveness of the human body. With general efficiency at a lower level, it adversely affects almost every system of the body. 

These problems are compounded at night, for not only is it considerably colder at night but the body is also inactive and unaware for extended periods (a person usually sleeps for around 7-8 hours). 

The Importance Of Keeping Warm At Night

Now that we’ve understood the risks presented by the cold of winter and why these dangers are amplified at nightime, let’s take a look at the benefits of keeping warm while you’re asleep! 

 

  • Improved quality of sleep, which results in better functioning during the day time!

  • Reduced chance of catching a cold, respiratory ailments etc.

  • Quicker recovery from sickness and faster healing of injuries.

  • Easier to breathe, which in turn maintains sufficient oxygen levels in the body.

  • Proper blood circulation, which ensures that you have a healthy cardiovascular system.

  • Food is completely digested, which keeps energy levels high and helps your body maintain temperature when a source of heat isn’t available closeby. 

How To Keep Warm At Night During Winter

There’s no shortage of different heat sources that you can use to keep your body, bed and room warm while you’re asleep. From thermostats to crackling fires, there’s a host of natural and mechanical options at your disposal. Ideally, you want to choose a source of heat that provides - 

  • Constant and consistent warmth. Fires, in particular, are notorious for losing their potency as time passes.

  • Safety. A safe heat source eliminates all risk of fire hazards.

  • Warmth that is close to the body. The closer the source of heat, the warmer you will be!

  • Adjustable. The main reason for the popularity of thermostats is that they have a variety of settings and modes that can control the intensity of heat provided.

Taking all features into consideration, heated throw blankets and electric blankets are arguably the most effective winter companions that tick all the boxes and are especially useful while you’re sleeping! 

Ultimately, keeping yourself warm during the long and quiet winter nights is the best way to ensure your good health and overall well-being during the challenging winter period.

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