Shopping For a Bed

A bed is a piece of furniture that serves as a place to sleep. It is usually raised off the ground and may be supported by a frame or posts. It is commonly covered with a mattress, which provides comfort and support while the person is sleeping or resting. Some beds also have a headboard and footboard. A set of bed rails, sometimes called cot sides, can be attached to the bed and can help prevent someone from falling out of the bed.

Beds can be made from wood, metal, or upholstered. They can have a frame with posts, a platform base, or a box spring foundation. A mattress is placed on top of the structure, and it can be topped with pillows, blankets, or quilts to add comfort and warmth. Often, the term “bed” is used to refer to the entire structure of the bed, including the frame or foundation, the mattress, and any additional covers or furniture.

The first thing to consider when shopping for a new mattress is how much firmness you prefer. Firmness levels range from very soft (like an innerspring) to very hard (like a foam or latex mattress). You should be able to find a mattress with the firmness level you need, but make sure that it will provide enough support to keep your spine properly aligned while you are sleeping.

Another important factor when shopping for a mattress is whether it will provide pressure relief. Foam mattresses typically provide the most pressure relief, but if you are a back sleeper or have hip pain, you might need a medium or firmer mattress to get the proper support.

You might also want to consider if the mattress has a trial period or return policy, as this can save you the hassle and expense of returning a mattress that isn’t the right fit for your needs. Many brands offer extended trials and free home delivery to make the process easier.

If you don’t want to risk a mattress that doesn’t meet your expectations, look for one that comes with a warranty against manufacturing defects. Warranties generally cover issues like sagging, indentations, and other permanent damage to the mattress. However, it’s important to understand that warranties don’t necessarily protect against issues like normal wear and tear or the natural aging of the mattress.

In the days before modern spring mattresses were invented, beds were simple cloth cases stuffed with grasses, straw, wool, cotton, or down feathers (if you were wealthy). These early beds tended to be lumpy and uncomfortable, especially when they were positioned on the floor. Inventive craftsmen created a solution with the invention of the bed frame, which raised the mattress off the floor and provided a more comfortable surface. This also allowed room underneath the bed for storage of items like suitcases, extra bedding, winter clothes, and other personal belongings.

The Concept of Love

We often use the word love to describe the deep feelings we have for people, places or things. Love is also a common theme in literary works and movies. Love is complex and has many different meanings for different people.

Love can be a powerful feeling and is important for our well-being. It can help us feel connected to other people, feel good about ourselves and feel happy. It can also be a source of pain and sadness. We can love our family, friends and pets. We can also love the work we do or the sports team we support. The concept of love has been explored in philosophy, religion and science. Psychologists have only recently started to study it in more detail.

Some scientists believe that love is not an emotion in the way we usually think of it. They say that it’s a drive like hunger or sleep, and it is driven by hormones. Other scientists, including Paul Ekman, who is famous for his research on emotions, think that love is an emotion and is triggered by the same physical reactions as other emotions.

Scientists have also argued over whether love is a choice or something that happens automatically. They have also debated over whether it is a temporary or permanent feeling and whether it changes with age. In some cultures, love is seen as a universal experience while in others, it may vary from person to person and culture to culture.

A variety of theories about love have been developed, including the color wheel theory which identifies three primary, three secondary and nine tertiary loves, as well as the more traditional romantic and companionate styles. It is thought that these different types of love develop over time and can be influenced by the way we think about them, as well as the experiences that we have in our lives.

Despite these differences, most people agree that there are some basic characteristics of love. For example, it is believed that true love requires mutual commitment and a desire for the good of the other. It should also be selfless, and it is not acceptable to be demanding or selfish in a relationship.

There is also a strong link between love and our sense of purpose. If we love something, we will want to protect it and do everything we can to ensure its success. This is why we often see love in the actions of people who have dedicated their lives to a cause or to helping other people – think of the great men and women such as Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Maya Angelou or Oprah Winfrey. They have made a huge difference in the world because of their loving service. This type of love is also known as altruistic or unconditional love. It is not the same as narcissistic or egotistical love which can lead to self-absorption and exploitation. These types of relationships are often unstable and prone to abuse and addiction.

The Importance of Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep helps you wake up refreshed, ready to take on the day. A bad night’s sleep, however, can leave you feeling tired, down and unable to concentrate. Sleep is the body’s most important restorative process, and research has linked it to a number of conditions, including memory consolidation, supporting normal immune function, and healing after injury or illness.

In the past, scientists used to think that a person’s ability to distinguish between sleep and wakefulness was largely a matter of their mental state at the time they fell asleep. Today, scientists use a combination of behavioral, motor, sensory and physiological criteria to define sleep.

The importance of sleep is reflected in the fact that sleep is one of only four lifestyle factors included in the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” list of health habits for cardiovascular disease prevention. (The others are adequate exercise, a nutritious diet, not smoking and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.)

Sleep is also critical for maintaining healthy metabolism and a strong immune system. The brain, during the sleep cycle, clears cellular and protein debris that can otherwise build up in the body, contributing to inflammation and cell death. Studies show that people who do not get enough sleep are at increased risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease and depression. In children and adolescents, not getting enough sleep can affect their mood, behavior and learning and increase the likelihood of mental health problems.

Scientists are still working to understand the many functions of sleep, though a consensus is emerging that it is necessary for promoting healthy functioning of all systems in the body. Some researchers think that the primary function of sleep is to conserve energy, allowing animals to avoid using precious metabolic resources during periods of the day and night when it would be inefficient or dangerous to hunt for food or escape from predators.

Other scientists point to the role of sleep in regulating the circadian rhythm — a 24-hour internal clock that triggers certain bodily functions, including sleep-wake cycles. The circadian rhythm is controlled by an area of the brain called the hypothalamus.

During the non-rapid eye movement stages of sleep, the brain shifts from the more active alpha waves to slower theta waves and finally the deep slow wave stage of sleep. During this phase, the brain is able to organize and consolidate memories, making it harder for them to be forgotten. This is why people who do not get enough sleep may forget things more easily. Sleep also appears to help maintain cognitive performance by enhancing the ability to learn new information and improve retention of existing knowledge. In addition, a good night’s sleep can increase creativity and promote the growth of new neurons. This is known as neural plasticity. These processes are dependent on a good supply of oxygen to the brain, which is provided by sleep. When oxygen levels in the brain decrease, mental function declines.

Choosing a Bed

A bed is a place to sleep, rest and relax. It can be a simple platform or a luxurious canopy, depending on your preferences and budget.

A proper mattress is important to help you get the sleep you need. When choosing a mattress, consider your sleep habits, the size of your room and whether you’ll be sharing it with a partner. A Full mattress is a good fit for single adults, but couples may prefer the extra space of a Queen or California King model.

Choosing the right mattress can help you stay healthy and happy. It’s especially important to find one that provides a comfortable support for your back, neck and spine while you’re sleeping. It also needs to be easy to clean and durable enough to last years of use.

You’ll want to look for a mattress with plenty of memory foam, which is great for reducing pressure points and body heat. Memory foam is also breathable and has the added benefit of anti-bacterial properties. You’ll also want to make sure the mattress has a high-density core for strength and longevity.

While you’re shopping for a new mattress, don’t forget about a bed frame. It’s the foundation of your mattress and it helps keep your mattress firmly in place and provides additional support. A bed frame and box spring or mattress foundation distributes your weight evenly, which helps prevent mattress sagging that can cause back pain, neck pain, fatigue, and poor sleep.

Bed frames can be made of wood or metal and come in a variety of styles to suit your taste. You can even buy bed frames that are adjustable to help you achieve the best possible position for sleep.

You’ll also want to decide what type of mattress you’re looking for, such as an all-foam, memory foam, or innerspring mattress. Some are hybrid mattresses that combine elements of both types for a more customizable feel. Lastly, you’ll want to consider how tall you want your mattress to be. Adding a mattress foundation or a bunkie board will raise the height of your bed, but be careful not to overload your bed as it can cause stability issues. Be sure to vacuum your mattress frequently to remove dust and lint, which can lead to allergies. In addition, be sure to sit your mattress in an upright position each week to let it air out and prevent mildew and mold from growing.

How to Write an Essay About Love

Love is a complex emotion that exists across all types of relationships. It is an important part of life, and the subject of numerous literary works and films. It is also one of the most popular topics for essay assignments, especially for college students. The topic of love can be broad, so it’s important to find a unique angle for your essay.

Many people have a hard time defining love, and the definition of the word can differ from person to person. Often, love is described as a feeling of deep affection for another person, but this can be vague and subjective. The term can refer to romantic, familial, platonic, and interpersonal love.

It is possible to write a paper about any of these forms of love, but you will need to be sure that your argument and your examples are appropriate for the particular type of essay you are writing. In addition, the topic of love can be a sensitive issue, and it’s important to consider the views of your audience before choosing an approach.

Some researchers suggest that love evolved to help keep parents and their children together until the offspring were old enough to survive on their own. The concept of love as an evolutionary force has been contested by many scholars, but it’s hard to imagine how humans would have survived without the ability to form strong bonds with others.

Romantic love is a major component of the human experience, and it’s important for maintaining healthy relationships. However, some people have difficulty recognizing red flags that may indicate the presence of abusive love. If someone treats you with disrespect or indifference, ignores your feelings, keeps you at arm’s length, or makes you feel unsafe physically or emotionally, these are all indications that you should seek a new relationship.

In a romantic relationship, love is a powerful force that can motivate us to make sacrifices for our partners. It can also give us a sense of purpose and belonging. The emotions of love can be intense, but they are also temporary and sometimes heart-wrenching.

If you’re writing a story about a couple in love, don’t be afraid to show them being flawed and imperfect. This will allow readers to become invested in the story and develop a deeper connection with the characters.

When writing an essay about love, you should try to avoid using too many sappy clichés. Your audience will likely be turned off by a story that sounds too perfect. Instead, focus on describing the way that the character’s love for each other manifests in their behavior. For example, if they always remember to bring their favorite teddy bear to work with them or they never miss the chance to grab a bite to eat with their best friend, these are small gestures that show their love for each other.

The Mysterious Process of Sleep

Sleep is one of the most critical components of life. It affects every organ, system and activity of the body. It is a mysterious process that scientists are still trying to understand. In addition to its obvious roles in growth, reproduction and aging, there is increasing evidence that it contributes to memory and learning, brain function and emotion regulation, physical health, metabolism, the immune system, mood and behavior. It is also associated with a wide range of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and depression.

Traditionally, researchers have used behavioral and electrophysiological criteria to define sleep. For example, when a person is found to be in a trance-like state with eyes closed and no movement, they are usually considered to be asleep. In addition, certain patterns of brain wave activity, such as those characteristic of stage 1 of non-REM (NREM) sleep, are considered to be indicative of sleep. However, these criteria can be at variance with each other, especially in conditions such as hypnosis or waking drowsiness.

A good night’s sleep is a key factor in preventing disease and maintaining mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that people who do not get enough sleep are at increased risk for health problems including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity. A lack of sleep also reduces the immune system, impairs attention and reaction times and makes it harder to make decisions. It is thought that this may be because the brain does not have sufficient time to clear out the toxic waste products of brain activity, which accumulate throughout the day.

The most important part of the sleep cycle is the rapid eye movements (REM) phase. During this period, the brain is more active than in other stages of NREM sleep and the body is most vulnerable to awakening. REM sleep has been linked to dreaming, imagination, emotion and creativity. It is also thought to be necessary for the production of new memories and the consolidation of existing ones. It is also known to improve learning and problem-solving abilities.

Most of the rest of the sleep cycle is spent in NREM stages 2 and 3. During this period, the heart rate slows further, the muscles relax and the eyes stop moving. In these stages, there are bursts of electrical activity in the brain, called sleep spindles. During this stage, the brain forms pathways to help us remember and learn. It also erases unneeded information and replaces it with new memories, allowing our brain to function well.

A good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a nutritious diet and moderate alcohol consumption. If you have concerns about your sleeping habits, it is a good idea to see your GP, who will be able to give you a health check and refer you for treatment if needed. To make the most of your sleep, try to keep to a routine, go to bed at the same time each night and create a calm environment.

SBOBET: Agen Judi Bola Terkenal Bersama SBOBET88 Terbaru

Judi bola online telah menjadi salah satu hiburan yang paling populer di dunia. Bagi para pecinta olahraga dan penggemar taruhan, mencari agen judi bola terpercaya adalah hal yang penting. Salah satu nama besar dalam industri ini adalah SBOBET. Namun, apakah Anda pernah mendengar tentang SBOBET88 atau SBOTOP? Apa perbedaan antara ketiganya? Dan apa yang membuat mereka begitu spesial?

Dalam artikel ini, kami akan membahas semua hal yang perlu Anda ketahui tentang SBOBET, termasuk cara bermainnya, taruhan yang tersedia, serta bonus dan promo menarik dari situs tersebut. Jadi, simak terus untuk informasi lengkapnya!

Apa Perbedaan Antara SBOBET, SBOBET88, SBOTOP?

SBOBET, SBOBET88, dan SBOTOP – ketiganya adalah nama-nama yang sering terdengar di dunia perjudian online. Namun, apa sebenarnya perbedaan antara mereka?

Secara umum, SBOBET dan SBOBET88 adalah dua merek https://www.tollgateclinic.com/ yang sama dengan tujuan yang sama: menyediakan platform taruhan bola online yang aman dan terpercaya bagi para pemain. Mereka menawarkan beragam jenis taruhan olahraga seperti sepak bola, basket, tenis, dan masih banyak lagi.

Namun ada sedikit perbedaan antara keduanya. SBOBET88 merupakan versi terbaru dari situs tersebut dengan fitur-fitur baru yang ditingkatkan untuk memberikan pengalaman bermain yang lebih baik kepada para pengguna. Sebagai contoh, navigasi situs telah disederhanakan sehingga memudahkan para pemain dalam mencari informasi atau menempatkan taruhan.

Di sisi lain, SBOTOP adalah merek lain dalam keluarga SBOBET yang juga menjadi agen judi bola ternama di industri ini. Meskipun memiliki kesamaan dengan SBOBET dan SBOBET88 dalam hal layanan taruhan olahraga berkualitas tinggi, SBOTOP juga menonjol dengan penekanan pada pasar Asia serta kerjasama dengan klub-klub sepak bola top Eropa sebagai sponsor resmi.

Jadi secara singkatnya: meskipun ada beberapa perbedaan kecil antara SBOBET, SBOBET88,dan SBOTOP; intinya mereka semua bertujuan untuk memberikan pengalaman judi bola online terbaik kepada para pemainnya.

Bagaimana Cara Bermain SBOBET?

Bagaimana cara bermain SBOBET? Jika Anda baru mengenal situs ini, mungkin pertanyaan itu terlintas dalam pikiran Anda. Tenang saja, saya akan membantu menjawabnya untuk Anda.

Pertama-tama, langkah pertama yang harus dilakukan adalah membuat akun di SBOBET. Caranya sangat mudah dan cepat. Cukup kunjungi situs resmi mereka atau menggunakan link sbobet88 yang dapat ditemukan secara online. Setelah itu, klik tombol “Daftar” dan ikuti instruksi pendaftaran yang diberikan.

Setelah memiliki akun, langkah selanjutnya adalah melakukan deposit ke akun tersebut. SBOBET menyediakan beberapa metode pembayaran yang bisa Anda pilih sesuai dengan preferensi Anda.

Setelah berhasil melakukan deposit, sekarang saatnya untuk memulai taruhan! Di SBOBET, Anda dapat memilih dari berbagai jenis taruhan seperti judi bola online atau bahkan permainan kasino live. Pilihlah olahraga atau permainan kasino favoritmu dan nikmati sensasi bertaruh di platform berkualitas tinggi ini.

Saat bermain di SBOBET, pastikan juga untuk melihat informasi tentang odds dan aturan taruhan pada setiap permainan agar dapat membuat keputusan taruhan yang lebih baik.

Jadi itulah cara bermain SBOBET secara singkat. Dengan panduan ini, semoga kamu siap merasakan keseruan bertaruh di salah satu agen judi bola terkenal ini!

Apa Yang Membuat SBOBET, SBOBET88 Dan SBOTOP Spesial?

Saat berbicara tentang situs judi bola online terbaik dan terpercaya, tidak bisa dilewatkan bahwa SBOBET, SBOBET88 dan SBOTOP adalah beberapa nama yang paling dikenal dalam industri ini. Tapi apa sebenarnya yang membuat mereka begitu spesial?

Pertama-tama, ketiganya menawarkan pengalaman taruhan sepak bola yang tak tertandingi. Dengan ratusan pertandingan dari liga-liga top dunia seperti Liga Inggris, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga dan masih banyak lagi untuk dipilih, para pemain dapat dengan mudah menemukan pertandingan favorit mereka untuk ditaruhkan.

Selain itu, semua situs ini juga menyediakan berbagai jenis taruhan seperti handicap Asia dan Over/Under. Ini memberikan fleksibilitas kepada para pemain untuk memilih strategi taruhan sesuai keinginan mereka.

Keunggulan lainnya dari ketiga situs ini adalah fitur live betting atau taruhan langsung. Dengan adanya fitur ini, pemain dapat memasang taruhan saat pertandingan sedang berlangsung dengan peluang yang selalu diperbarui secara real-time. Hal ini meningkatkan tingkat kepuasan serta keseruan dalam melakukan taruhan.

Terakhir tetapi tidak kalah pentingnya adalah bonus dan promosi yang ditawarkan oleh ketiga situs ini kepada para pemain baru maupun pelanggan setia mereka. Bonus sambutan biasanya mencakup promo deposit tambahan atau freebet sebagai insentif bagi orang-orang baru untuk bergabung di platform tersebut.

Daftar Taruhan Yang Tersedia di SBOBET

SBOBET adalah salah satu agen judi bola terkenal yang menawarkan berbagai jenis taruhan kepada para pemainnya. Dengan ribuan pertandingan olahraga setiap minggunya, SBOBET memastikan bahwa ada sesuatu untuk semua orang.

Salah satu taruhan paling populer di SBOBET adalah taruhan sepak bola. Pemain dapat memasang taruhan pada berbagai liga dan kompetisi seperti Liga Champions, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, dan masih banyak lagi. Selain itu, terdapat juga opsi taruhan pada pertandingan turnamen besar seperti Piala Dunia dan Euro.

Selain sepak bola, SBOBET juga menyediakan beragam pilihan olahraga lainnya seperti basket, tenis meja, bulu tangkis, tinju, balap motor dan mobil Formula 1. Pemain dapat dengan mudah menemukan pertandingan yang mereka minati dan memasang taruhan sesuai keinginan mereka.

Namun tidak hanya olahraga konvensional yang ditawarkan oleh SBOBET. Mereka juga memiliki sejumlah permainan virtual seperti pacuan kuda virtual dan sepakbola virtual yang memberikan pengalaman serupa dengan bertaruh pada acara langsung.

Dalam hal daftar taruhan yang tersedia di SBOBET88 ini cukup lengkap sehingga pemain memiliki banyak pilihan untuk dipilih sesuai minat mereka dalam menjalankan aktivitas judi online melalui platform ini.

Jadi jika Anda mencari situs judi online terpercaya dengan daftar taruhan lengkap serta peluang menang tinggi, SBOBET adalah pilihan yang tepat untuk Anda.

Bonus Serta Promo Yang Ditawarkan SBOBET Terpercaya

Dalam kesimpulannya, SBOBET merupakan agen judi bola terkenal yang telah lama ada di industri perjudian online. Dengan platform mereka yang inovatif dan layanan pelanggan yang handal, tidak heran bahwa SBOBET menjadi pilihan utama bagi para pecinta taruhan olahraga.

Selain itu, kehadiran varian seperti SBOBET88 dan SBOTOP semakin memperkaya pengalaman bertaruh para pemain. Masing-masing memiliki kelebihan dan fitur unik yang membuatnya istimewa dalam hal tertentu.

Bagi Anda yang ingin mencoba bermain di SBOBET atau mendaftar sebagai member baru, jangan lewatkan bonus serta promo menarik yang ditawarkan oleh situs ini. Dapatkan keuntungan tambahan dengan hadiah deposit awal, cashback mingguan, atau bahkan promo khusus untuk acara olahraga besar.

Jadi tunggu apa lagi? Bergabunglah dengan SBOBET sekarang juga dan nikmati pengalaman taruhan bola online terbaik bersama agen terpercaya ini. Buat akun Anda sekarang dan rasakan sensasi seru dari permainan judi bola secara menyeluruh!

How to Install a Bed

A bed is an item of furniture, usually made of wood or metal, used as a place to sleep. It is most often found in bedrooms, but can also be placed in the living room, office, and other areas. Beds come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, but all beds must be sturdy enough to support the weight of a person or couple sleeping on it. A mattress is usually placed on top of the bed frame, and a cover or blanket may be used to provide warmth, insulate the sleeper from cold surfaces, or reduce noise from other people using the same bedroom.

A good bed is designed to help you feel well-rested in the morning, and innovative designs include features such as temperature regulation, motion transfer, and pressure relief. Many mattress brands offer generous risk-free trials that let you test out a new bed for up to a year.

When to replace your bed

If you find yourself waking up with aches or pains that weren’t there before, it may be time to upgrade to a new bed. Also, if your mattress has significant sagging or signs of lumpiness, it’s probably time to get rid of it.

How to choose a new mattress

The type of mattress you need depends on how you sleep and how much you weigh. Soft mattresses are best suited for side sleepers, while medium or firm ones are better for back and stomach sleepers. Some experts recommend opting for a firmer mattress if you suffer from chronic back or neck pain, as these types of mattresses are known to be more supportive and promote proper alignment in the spine.

There are a few different ways to attach the headboard and footboard to the bed frame. One is a pin-and-hook fastener. A mortise or slot is cut vertically in the bed post, and pins are inserted horizontally so that they intersect each other. Hooks are installed on a plate that is attached to the rail and hooked over the pins. This type of fastener is sometimes referred to as a keyhole fastener.

Other methods of attachment include the use of bolts and a dowel. Bolts and dowels are strong and durable, but they can be difficult to install without the help of a professional. Another option is to use a hook-and-loop fastener, which uses strips of fabric that can be hooked over the hooks on the plate and then pulled tight to secure the headboard and footboard to the bed frame. These fasteners are more convenient to use than a pin-and-hook fastener, but they aren’t as strong or durable. Some bed frames may come with a decorative headboard and footboard that incorporates these fasteners.

The Definition of Love

Love is the most powerful emotion in the world. It makes people do crazy things for those they love and can be the most challenging thing to deal with in life. There are many different types of love, such as loving your friends, family members, and even your pets. There is also romantic love, which is a type of love that most people think of when they hear the word love. The definition of love can vary from person to person, but most people would agree that it is a feeling of deep affection and attachment.

It is a common belief that everyone is born with the capacity to love, and that love is a natural part of human life. However, some people do not experience this kind of love, or may be confused about what it means to love someone. Often, this can lead to problems in relationships. It is important to understand the difference between love and infatuation.

Infatuation is a short-lived, intense emotional attraction that can occur when someone is in love with another person. This type of love can happen for a variety of reasons, including seeing that person as perfect and wanting to make them happy. This kind of love can be dangerous, as it can cause people to ignore or minimize the person’s faults.

On the other hand, true love is a long-term commitment that is based on mutual respect and trust. This type of love can be complicated, as it requires patience and forgiveness. True love can help a person to grow as a person, and it can be rewarding.

Many people struggle with defining love, as it is a very personal and complex concept. The definition of love can change from person to person, but it can include a combination of feelings such as care, compassion, and loyalty. Love can also encompass a desire to protect and support someone, and it can include a sense of awe and wonder.

Some people believe that there are only a few types of love, such as parental love, romantic love, and friendship love. However, there are many other forms of love, such as platonic love and unconditional love. There is also agape love, which is the ultimate form of spiritual love and is usually described as a “brotherly” or “sisterly” love.

Love can also be seen in animals, such as cats and dogs, and it can be a positive force for change in the world. It is important to recognize the different types of love and find the one that works best for you.

There will be days, maybe even weeks, when you aren’t all mushy-gushy in love with that person. That’s okay. Just keep reminding yourself that in the future, your love will come back and it’s worth the wait!

The Importance of Sleep

The way you feel depends in large part on your sleep. And while scientists haven’t yet answered every question about this essential process, some new research points to ways that sleep is crucial for your health and well-being.

The key to a good night’s sleep appears to be consistency, says Dr. Jennifer Martin, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It’s important to set a bedtime and stick with it, even on weekends. That consistency will “train” your body to go to sleep and wake up at the times you need to. And it’s important to avoid bright lights or electronics (like smartphones) in the bedroom, which can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.

It’s also important to be honest with yourself about your sleep needs, she adds. Some people need more than others to function properly and perform at their best. The amount of sleep that’s healthy for you can change throughout your life, too. Infants, for example, need between 12 and 16 hours of sleep per day. School-aged children need between 10 and 14 hours per night, and teenagers need between 9 and 11 hours each night. Adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night.

Sleep plays a critical role in learning and memory, and in brain health. It helps us feel calm and focused, so that we can respond quickly to stressful situations. It can help with mental clarity and physical performance, and it can improve mood and self-esteem. And sleep can help protect against some chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and depression.

In fact, a lack of sleep can actually increase the risk of certain heart problems over time. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why this is, but it may have something to do with the fact that when you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to eat unhealthy foods and exercise less — factors that can negatively impact your heart.

Scientists have been aware of the importance of sleep for a long time, but it’s only recently that they’ve begun to understand what happens during sleep. In the early 1980s, a researcher named Charles Rechtschaffen discovered that when mammals are deprived of sleep, they die within two weeks. This led to deeper studies into the reasons why animals sleep, and the answer is complex.

For example, while sleep seems to be a time when the brain is quiet, it’s not. Research shows that the brain works during sleep in a similar way to when it’s awake.

Scientists have found that a specific type of brain cell called the hippocampus, which helps store memories, is active during both sleep and waking. And some researchers have found that the flip-flop switch in a region of the brain can get damaged by too little sleep, which can cause sleep disorders like narcolepsy. This discovery could lead to treatments for a variety of brain-related illnesses. So while it would be tempting to dismiss the value of sleep as a waste of time, there’s really no excuse. In fact, a growing body of evidence suggests that sleep is just as vital to our survival as the air we breathe and the food we eat.