Why You Need to Sleep

Insomnia, waking too early or groggy during the day, and difficulty concentrating and remembering things are signs of sleep problems. A bad night’s sleep can also affect a person’s ability to react and cope with everyday stressors, like work pressure, relationships or health concerns. And it can even impair a person’s judgement and decision-making abilities. Getting enough high-quality sleep can help people feel happier, less stressed and healthier.

Many people think that sleeping is just a time to “rest” and relax, but scientists have discovered that your brain is very active during sleep. And the restorative processes that take place during sleep support a variety of vital functions, such as memory formation, learning, emotion regulation, judgment and problem solving.

The need for sleep is as fundamental to survival as food and water. And your body needs a lot of energy to function well during the day, which is why it conserves resources and shuts down systems while you’re asleep. This allows you to save energy for activities you need to do, such as surviving the day’s challenges or reproducing.

Scientists have identified different stages of sleep, which are characterized by distinct patterns of brain waves and muscle activity. Your body goes through a series of these sleep cycles throughout the night, from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) to REM sleep. During REM, your brain is particularly active, and your eyes move rapidly from side to side. This is when your dreams occur, and it’s also when your body reorganizes memories and new information into long-term storage.

Other parts of your brain also become active during REM, such as the amygdala, which is involved in processing emotions. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why we need to go through this process, but it may have something to do with the emotional impact of certain experiences or events during the day, which then get reprocessed during sleep.

Another reason you need to sleep is that it’s important for your immune system. While you’re asleep, your body releases chemicals that help fight off germs and repair damaged cells. In addition, your memory is enhanced during sleep, and you are better able to concentrate and think creatively.

Getting enough high-quality sleep can improve your mood and mental health, as well as promote a healthy weight. Among adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.

Having a regular bedtime and following a relaxing evening routine can help you to fall asleep easily. But if you’re having trouble, it’s best to see your doctor for advice. You might have a sleep disorder that can be treated with medications or non-medical strategies, such as relaxation training. Your GP can help you develop a good sleep routine and teach you skills to manage your stress, so that you can enjoy a good night’s rest.