Sleep is an important part of our daily life — we spend about one-third of our time doing it. The quality of sleep — and getting enough of it at the right time — is just as important for survival as food and water. Without sleep, we cannot create or maintain brain paths that will allow us to learn and create new memories, and it’s harder to concentrate and respond quickly.
Sleep is important for a number of brain functions, including how nerve cells (neurons) communicate with each other. In fact, our brain and body remain very active when we sleep. Recent discoveries show that sleep plays the role of a housekeeping, which removes toxins from our brain that accumulate while we are awake.
Everyone needs a dream, but their biological goal remains a mystery. Sleep affects almost every type of body and system in the body — from the brain, heart, and lungs to metabolism, immune function, mood, and resistance to disease. Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation or low-quality sleep production increases the risk of disorders, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression and obesity.
Sleep is a complex and dynamic process that influences the way we work in ways that scientists begin to understand.
Key Points to Keep in Mind for Better Sleep
- When we sleep, important physical and mental processes are carried out.
- Regular, good quality sleep is important for brain function, emotional well-being, physical health, daytime work and personal safety.
- Studies show that adults need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night for a good rest.
- Not getting enough sleep is common and can have serious consequences for our health and well-being.
- To restore the balance of sleep, you should have at least two nights in a row of unrestricted good quality sleep.
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
Your need for sleep and sleep patterns change with age, but it is significantly different in people of the same age. There is no magic “number of hours of sleep” that work at all ages. Babies initially sleep up to 16-18 hours a day, which can stimulate growth and development (especially the brain). Children and adolescents at school age usually need about 9.5 hours of sleep per night.
Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep per night, but after 60 years of age, the night’s sleep is shorter, lighter and interrupted by several awakenings. Older people are also more likely to take medicines that interfere with sleep.
In general, people get less sleep than they need because of longer working hours, as well as having 24-hour entertainment and other activities.
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