The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is a mysterious time in the brain and body. It’s so important that scientists devote much of their waking lives to studying it and how it affects us. They’ve discovered that sleep serves many vital functions, from promoting health to preventing disease.

Most of us have heard that adults need seven hours of sleep a night. But what we don’t realize is that the quality of sleep and the amount of sleep we get on a regular basis also affect our daily functioning and mental health. Consistently getting too little or too much sleep can have serious consequences.

In fact, some experts believe that sleep deprivation can cause an array of short- and long-term health problems, including increased risk of accidents, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and mental illness. People who suffer from chronic sleep problems are also at higher risk of suicide and have more trouble handling stress and coping with anxiety or mood disorders.

Scientists have uncovered several reasons why people need sleep, including:

Emotional regulation: Sleep helps people regulate their emotions and cope with physical and psychological stress. It can also help them solve complex problems and make good decisions.

Memory consolidation: During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, strengthening them and helping them become more permanent. It also helps clear waste from the brain, which builds up during the day.

Energy conservation: Sleep allows the body to conserve energy during an extended period of reduced activity. Sleep also provides growth hormone, allowing tissues to heal and grow.

Sleep is necessary for maintaining a healthy weight and immune system, regulating metabolism, and stabilizing blood pressure. Insufficient sleep also may be associated with the development of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

Those who are less likely to get enough sleep include blacks and Latinos, those with lower socioeconomic status, and individuals who work overnight or irregular shifts over long periods. However, even if you’re not getting adequate amounts of sleep, making a few simple changes can improve your sleeping habits and give you more restful nights. For example, experts recommend keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding large meals and caffeine right before bed. They also suggest removing distractions from the bedroom and reading something relaxing before going to bed. Keeping your room at a cool temperature may also help, as the body tends to lower its core temperature during sleep.