The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is a time of rest, when the body and brain recover from the activities of waking life. Different processes occur during sleep, helping to promote healthy brain activity and overall physical health. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep may also lower the body’s defenses against diseases and medical conditions.

In the past, it was common to think of sleep as a period of “down time,” when the mind and body are dormant. However, today’s sleep researchers are uncovering powerful evidence of the active role that sleep plays in maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.

While you’re sleeping, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain physical health, especially as you age. A good night’s sleep is important for everything from regulating your emotions to supporting good judgment and decision making. Insufficient or irregular sleep can weaken your immune system and leave you more susceptible to infections, as well as many chronic illnesses and diseases.

Scientists are still learning about the complex, multifaceted functions that happen during sleep. The most popular theory is that sleep serves to repair and replenish cellular components that become depleted throughout the day. This is supported by the finding that many bodily functions such as muscle repair, tissue growth and protein synthesis occur primarily during sleep. The brain’s ability to make new neural connections and convert short-term memories into long-term ones also occurs primarily during sleep. This is referred to as the “brain plasticity” theory of sleep.

Other theories focus on the importance of sleep for memory and cognitive thinking. For example, research shows that people who are deprived of sleep tend to have difficulty concentrating and focusing. They also have a higher risk for certain diseases and a tendency to overeat or gain weight. A study of mice showed that a lack of sleep can increase the build-up of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The bottom line is that consistent sleep of about seven hours a night is recommended for adults. The damage from not getting enough sleep can happen quickly (such as a car accident) or slowly over time (digestion problems, increased risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes). Regardless of what caused the loss of sleep, it is critical to get back on track. Establishing a regular bedtime and a routine before you go to sleep can help. A sleep routine will signal to your brain that it’s time for bed, and can strengthen your wake-sleep cycle. In addition, exercise and a diet of fruits and vegetables can contribute to a better quality of sleep.