In today’s world, the idea of “go, go, go” fuels many people’s lives. Many individuals are running on full-steam ahead at all times, which leaves little opportunity to slow down and get a good night’s sleep each evening. With technology, responsibilities, work and families, sleep can fall rather low on the priority list, but without sufficient slumber, everything else may suffer as a result. It can be easy to fall into a pattern of catching up on your favorite TV shows or work well into the late night hours, but then you must wake up early the next morning. You might also feel particularly stressed about something in your professional and personal life, which leaves you tossing and turning instead of slumbering peacefully for the recommended seven to eight hours at night. No matter what the cause, getting a full night’s sleep is important for your overall health, especially if you are an athlete or take part in fitness routine. This is a necessary time for your sore muscles to heal themselves and provide you with athletic recovery. If you do feel stiff, giving yourself a relaxing massage before bed can help you drift off more easily.

Here are four reasons why it’s crucial to get a good night’s sleep:

Improved weight management: If your fitness goal is to lose or maintain weight, it’s imperative to slumber soundly. Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain. According to Harvard Health, this is because it affects how the body processes and stores carbs, and it changes the level of hormones that are associated with appetite. This is particularly true of the hormone leptin, which plays a part in helping people feel full. Not enough sleep leaves people feeling hungrier, and they will often turn to less healthy options like junk food and sweets instead of lean meats, fruits and vegetables. Additionally, if you’re feeling fatigued throughout day, you’ll be much less likely to cook a healthy meal when you get home from work.

Stronger immune system: A good night’s sleep is important for overall health and function, but it also keeps your immune system running properly. If you find yourself feeling rundown and more susceptible to sickness, it may be because you’re not getting enough zzz’s. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine noted that in a scientific study, 150 participant’s sleep habits were monitored for two weeks, and those who got seven hours a night or less were three times more likely to get sick.

Less pain: Aches and pains can create a vicious cycle. Pain can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, and a lack of sleep exacerbates pain. This is especially troubling for people who suffer from chronic pain, which may cause people to toss and turn all night or have issues falling asleep. Luckily, a portable massager can provide you with neck and back pain relief, allowing you to slumber more soundly.

Safety: A concern for your safety may not come to mind when you think of why you need more sleep, but fatigue and exhaustion during the day can lead to a greater risk of injuries and accidents. Sleep deprivation affects your ability to concentrate and function at full capacity, which could lead to to you crashing your car, taking too much of a medication or forgetting to take a prescription. “When you’re overtired, you’re more likely to trip, or fall off a ladder, or cut yourself while chopping vegetables,” Dr. Jodi Mindell, professor of psychology at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and author of “Sleep Deprived No More” told R. Morgan Griffin for a WebMD Feature. “Household accidents like that can have serious consequences.”