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Sleep is a highly complex physiological process that is not fully understood. However, what is known is that sleep is absolutely crucial for our bodies and minds to be able to continue normal, healthy function.

Sleep is a periodic state of rest during which our awareness and consciousness of our surroundings are halted. This suspension or interruption of perception is the most significant characteristic of sleep and is what differentiates it from the normal waking state.

During sleep, the following changes occur:

 Decreased movement of the skeletal muscles,
 Slowed-down metabolism, and,
 Changes in the complex and active brain wave patterns.

Sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind.

Falling asleep and waking up are controlled by various chemical changes in the brain and in the blood. Foods and medicines that alter the balance of these chemicals can affect how quickly we fall asleep and the quality of our sleep.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately 40 million people in the United States suffer from chronic long-term sleep disorders each year, with an additional 20 million people suffering occasional sleeping problems.

Why Does the Body Need Sleep?

It is not clear exactly why the body requires sleep, although inadequate sleep can have severe detrimental effects on health and brain function.

Sleep helps the body restore and rejuvenate in many different ways including:

 Body Maintenance: Sleep is essential for healthy cell growth and for cell and tissue repair.

 Growth and Development: Children need much more sleep than adults to allow for the necessary growth and development changes in their bodies to occur properly. During sleep, growth hormones are released, and these hormones are crucial to proper physical and mental development. The effects (positive and negative) of sleep for babies and children are magnified depending on whether they get enough sleep or insufficient sleep. For example, tired children are often cranky, uncooperative, and difficult.

 Immune System: Sleep enables the immune system to function effectively. Without proper sleep, the immune system can become weakened and, as a result, the body may become more vulnerable to infection and disease. During deep sleep, the body’s cells increase production while proteins break down at a slower rate.

 Memory, Learning and Social Processes: Sleep enables the brain to encode and store recently received information. REM sleep activates the parts of the brain that deal with learning. During sleep, various parts of the brain slow down, including the parts of the brain that control emotions, decision-making and social interactions. The resting of these parts of the brain during sleep allow optimal performance when awake. Without sufficient sleep, people are far less effective at learning new skills or retaining or recalling recently learned information.

 Memory, Learning and Social Processes: Sleep enables the brain to encode and store recently received information. REM sleep activates the parts of the brain that deal with learning. During sleep, various parts of the brain slow down, including the parts of the brain that control emotions, decision-making and social interactions. The resting of these parts of the brain during sleep allow optimal performance when awake. Without sufficient sleep, people are far less effective at learning new skills or retaining or recalling recently learned information.

 neurons become unable to perform effectively and nervous system function is impaired. In people who have suffered extreme sleep deprivation, drastic and permanent brain and personality changes can occur.

Please click on About Sleeping Disorders for a longer description.