Sleep and Health

There are many reasons why we need sleep. Your physical, emotional, mental and social health are affected by the quantity and quality of your sleep.

Health Benefits of Sleep

While sleeping, you rest from conscious physical and mental activity. Unlike the resting conscious mind, your unconscious mind is very busy around the clock.

During sleep, the unconscious, or subconscious, mind takes care of some very important jobs.

It repairs nerve cells, skin cells and other cells.

Some hormones that regulate body functions are timed to release as we sleep. Hormones are balanced, including the hormone responsible for appetite control. Have you ever noticed how much more you want to eat after a poor night's sleep?

During deep sleep, the brain rests and extra blood flow is sent to the muscles. This allows them to repair and build energy for the next day.

In children, the human growth hormone is released during the deep sleep phase.

The health benefits of sleep go beyond physical wellness. Adequate rest lowers the risk of depression and helps you enjoy better moods.

A rested mind is capable of thinking clearly, is more alert and energized the next day. You are better able to deal with stress and make good decisions.

As you snooze, your brain processes the day and forms memories. It makes connections between events, feelings, prior memories, emotions and sensory input.

There are so many reasons why we need sleep that this would be an important priority if you want to protect or improve your health.It only takes one night for sleep deprivation effects to begin affecting your mind and body.

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