Sleep: It's a basic necessity of life, as important to our health and well-being as sunlight, air, food and water.
When we sleep well, we wake up feeling refreshed, alert and ready to face daily challenges.
When we don't sleep well, every part of our lives can suffer. Our jobs, relationships, productivity, health and safety as well as that of those around us, are all put at risk.
Sleep is regulated by two brain processes. One is the restorative process when sleep occurs naturally in response to how long we are awake. The second process controls the timing of sleep and wakefulness during the day-night cycle.
In addition to timing the sleep-wake cycle, the circadian clock regulates day-night cycles of most body functions, ensuring that the appropriate levels occur at night when you are sleeping. For example, important hormones are secreted, blood pressure is lowered and kidney functions change.
Research even indicates that memory is consolidated during sleep. Memories are restructured before they are stored and creativity also appears to be enhanced during sleep.
Insufficient sleep may make it difficult to exercise and can reduce the benefit of hormones released during sleep.
Adequate sleep helps to maintain a good immune system.