During each stage of sleep, your brain has different activities. During REM sleep, your brain is active and sends information from your short-term memory to your cerebral cortex for interpretation. Most of the night, you are in non-REM sleep. The non-REM sleep phase is characterized by slow brain waves and reduced responsiveness to the external world. Most of your body functions also slow down.

While you sleep, the brain releases a substance called cytokine that helps fight inflammation and infections. It also helps the immune system function better, and it eliminates toxins from the brain. Sleep is also essential for heart health, as a lack of sleep is associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Not enough sleep can also lead to mental and physical health problems, so it’s important to get seven hours or more each night.

Sleep disorders can cause difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or even being too sleepy during the day. If you suffer from insomnia or a sleep disorder, talk to your health care provider to learn about treatment options. In some cases, your health care provider may recommend a sleep specialist to help you get the restful sleep you need.

The recommended amount of sleep varies from person to person. Babies require up to 16 hours per day, while teenagers need a minimum of seven hours. Adults, on the other hand, need between seven and eight hours of sleep per day. However, some people require as little as five hours of sleep. Even pregnant women may need more sleep.

In addition to sleep, there are other factors that can affect sleep. Certain foods, alcoholic beverages, and caffeine are known to affect sleep quality. Getting enough sleep is essential for brain health and functioning during the day. The hormones released during sleep help our bodies repair damaged cells and fight off illnesses. It’s important to make sure you get enough sleep every night.

People who suffer from sleep disorders can also increase their risk of developing certain chronic illnesses. Research shows that sleepiness is linked to depression, diabetes, and obesity. And according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, nearly 800 people died while driving while drowsy last year. There are many ways to address sleep disorders and their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be helpful in helping people overcome sleep problems.

Those with sleep problems should undergo a sleep study. This involves spending a night in a sleep lab to monitor their breathing, heartbeat, and muscle activity. The results will help the doctor develop a treatment plan. They will also determine whether additional tests are needed. They can also help identify underlying medical conditions.

The circadian rhythm of your body is controlled by a biological clock in the brain that responds to light cues. In dark environments, this clock ramps up the production of melatonin, which induces sleep. Taking melatonin can help people with impaired vision stabilize their sleep patterns. When taking melatonin, it’s important to take the supplement at the same time every day. It’s also important to note that the peaks and valleys of melatonin over time are necessary to sync the body’s circadian rhythm with the external one.