Why is sleep so important to your health and how much do you need?
Are you guilty of putting sleep at the bottom of your priority list? Do you find yourself struggling to keep up with daily tasks, feeling fatigued and unfocused? Then it’s time to address the elephant in the room – lack of quality sleep. Sleep is often underrated and neglected, but it plays a crucial role in our physical, mental and emotional well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore why sleep is so important to your health and how much you really need for optimal functioning. So grab a cup of tea and let’s dive into the science behind good night’s rest!
Introducing sleep and its benefits
There are many benefits of sleep, including improved mental and physical health. Getting enough sleep can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your mood, and protect your heart. It is also important for memory and learning.
Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. However, some people may need more or less depending on their age, lifestyle, and health condition. For example, pregnant women and people with anxiety disorders may need more sleep than others.
If you are having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep quality. Creating a bedtime routine can help you wind down before going to bed. Avoiding caffeine and screens before bed can also help you sleep better.
The science behind sleep
Most people know that sleep is important, but many don’t understand why. Sleep is critical for our physical and mental health. It helps our bodies heal and repair themselves, and it allows our brains to consolidate memories and process information.
Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences. It can lead to accidents, impaired judgment, and moodiness. It can also contribute to chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
There are two types of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep is further divided into three stages: light sleep, deep sleep, and delta waves stage 3 or 4 sleep (also called slow-wave sleep).
We spend about 50% of our total time asleep in stage 2 non-REM sleep. Stages 3 and 4 non-REM sleep make up 20-25% of our total time asleep. REM sleep makes up the remaining 25-30%.
As we age, we spend less time in deep non-REM sleep and more time in light non-REM sleep. This may be why older adults often wake up feeling less rested than younger adults.
How much sleep do you need?
Most people need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a day. However, some people may need as few as 5 hours or as many as 10 hours of sleep a day. The amount of sleep you need depends on several factors, including your age, lifestyle, health, and how much you sleep during the day.
There are two different types of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-REM). REM sleep is when you dream and your brain is active. NREM sleep is when your brain is in a slow wave state. You cycle through REM and NREM sleep several times throughout the night.
