Unfortunately, a lot of people have trouble getting enough sleep they need at night. And yes, it’s important to sleep at night and not during the day, as we are naturally made to gain our mental health from sleep during the night.
Another sad aspect is that we often tend to neglect our sleep and bedtime. The reasons can be multiple. We may feel the urge to spend too many hours in front of the PC while watching a movie or playing a video game up to the point that we neglect our sleeping schedule.
Various scientific studies show that getting enough sleep at night is crucial for our mental health. Unfortunately, people often underestimate the significance of sleep.
Sleep Cycle
Sleep is more like a dynamic process characterized by different stages. These stages are classified into two main types: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM). NREM sleep is also divided into three stages: N1, N2, and N3.
When a person goes through the NREM sleep, the body undergoes essential processes such as muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune system strengthening. N3, which is also known as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep, plays an especially crucial role when it comes to physical restoration.
REM sleep, on the other hand, is associated with heightened brain activity and is vital for emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and cognitive function.
The brain’s nightly maintenance
When the body rests, the brain remains remarkably active as it performs a series of maintenance tasks that are critical for optimal function. The consolidation of memories represents one such process in which newly acquired information is integrated into existing neural networks, enhancing cognitive performance and learning. Such consolidation primarily takes place during REM sleep. In other words, uninterrupted rest is especially important for our health.
Sleep deprivation can have a major impact on our health
If you don’t sleep enough, a series of health problems can kick in, not to mention the fact that you will feel very tired. Pretty much every aspect of human health and functioning will be impacted if you are facing sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deficiency is linked to numerous adverse health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and compromised immune function.
We also need to keep in mind that prolonged sleep deprivation can diminish attention and memory, impair cognitive abilities, and heighten the risk of accidents.
Unraveling the mysteries
Despite many years of scientific research, the exact mechanisms underlying the rejuvenating effects of sleep remain elusive. But even so, thanks to recent advancements in neuroscience, scientists know more about the intricate interplay of neurotransmitters, hormones, and neural circuits governing the sleep-wake cycle.
Don’t neglect your sleeping schedule!
It’s an absolute “must” to cultivate healthy sleep habits, considering the profound impact of sleep on our overall health and even well-being. Therefore, you should prioritize consistent bedtimes, create a conducive sleep environment, and adopt relacation techniques to help you get better rest. It’s also a good idea to limit the exposure to the smartphone or laptop before bedtime and avoid caffeine.
Contarry to what some people may be tempted to believe, sleep is a dynamic process essential for cognitive, physical, and emotional vitality. Sleep is NOT a passive state of unconsciousness, as a lot of important processes in our bodies take place when we sleep.
