We sleep for around one-third of our lives. It is an involuntary and necessary process, without which we simply cannot function well - just as necessary to our bodies as breathing, eating, and drinking. It is also critical to preserving both physical and emotional well-being. Sleep aids in the healing and restoration of not only our bodies, but also our brains. We may process information, consolidate memories, and go through several maintenance procedures when we sleep, all of which support our day-to-day functioning.
Everybody needs to make sure they receive good-quality sleep in the appropriate quantity. Some people require more sleep than others, and there is no universally accepted quantity of sleep that is suitable for everyone. Our sleep patterns and levels of drowsiness regulate our individual abilities to fall asleep. The regularity and timeliness of our sleep habits are related to our sleep patterns; if we have developed a habit of sleeping at specific times, we will be able to create a better routine and find it simpler to go to bed at that time each day.
The process of sleep is more complicated than most people think, and scientists are still baffled by certain aspects. The body goes through several phases and procedures when you sleep. Spending adequate time in each stage—including deep sleep, which keeps us feeling rejuvenated—is likely to lead to good quality sleep. Long-term sleep deprivation causes a number of issues that are easily identifiable, such as irritation, weariness, drowsiness, poor concentration, and memory loss. Insomnia (loss of sleep or poor quality of sleep) may affect up to one-third of the population. This can have an impact on our relationships, emotions, energy and focus levels, and our capacity to remain awake and carry out daily tasks.
There is a strong correlation between sleep and health; getting too little sleep can raise your chances of falling sick, which in turn can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Common mental health issues like depression and anxiety can frequently be the root cause of sleep issues. In these situations, treating the sleep issue and mental health concern simultaneously is frequently the most successful strategy.
Here are some benefits of sleep for the body and why we need it -
Energy conservation: The body uses lesser energy to function while you sleep since it slows down during that time. Resting for a predetermined amount of time helps us regain our energy and become more productive when we wake up.
Restore and heal: Research indicates that our bodies repair themselves when we sleep. During this time, tissue healing and muscle growth take place. The body develops as we sleep because it releases more growth hormone.
Creates memories: The memories made throughout the day and kept in the short-term memory are transferred to the long-term memory as you sleep. This strengthens the memories we make and builds neuronal pathways for lifelong access to new information.
Regulates emotions: Sleep has a significant influence on our emotional reactions and aids in brain relaxation and renewal. The quality of our sleep has a significant impact on how energetic or lethargic, happy or anxious we feel.
Here is a quick overview of some common conditions that might result from poor sleep quality -
Obesity: Sleep has an impact on your body's levels of hunger and satiety hormones. Sleep deprivation raises hunger hormones, which causes the body to overeat leading to obesity and a high BMI.
Diabetes: Sleep affects your blood sugar levels by controlling how your body responds to insulin. Your body becomes resistant to insulin when you don't get enough sleep, which raises your blood sugar levels and increases your risk of developing diabetes. Lack of sleep might also make it more difficult to adequately manage diabetes if you already have it.
Hypertension: According to studies, less than six hours of sleep each day has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension. Because sleep controls the body's stress chemicals, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to stress without you realising it. Hypertension and elevated blood pressure may result from this. Additionally, it raises the risk of stroke and cardiovascular illnesses.
Babies require a lot of sleep since the act of sleeping releases growth hormone and promotes bodily development. Overall, humans require lot more sleep during their formative years, though this decreases as they age. Adults (26–64 years) and young adults (18–25 years) require an average of 7-9 hours of sleep every night. For a healthy lifestyle, it is therefore worthwhile to heed the frequently stated recommendation to get eight hours of sleep each day.
Sleep keeps your body functioning at its best and isn't only a passive activity. In addition to impairing mental and physical abilities, sleep deprivation leads to several bodily imbalances and illnesses. Therefore, it's a good idea to check on your sleep habits if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of stress, weariness, or daytime sleepiness, or if you have diabetes or hypertension.