Why is Sleep essential

WHY IS SLEEP ESSENTIAL

By NETHRA VIJAYAKUMAR

Sleep is a biologic process that is essential for life and optimal health. Sleep plays a critical role in brain function and systemic physiology, including metabolism, appetite control, and the functioning of immune system, hormonal balance, and cardiovascular systems. 

Sleep recommendation:

Sleep needs vary from person to person, depending on their age. As a person ages, they typically require less sleep to function properly.

According to the CDC, the sleep recommendation is as follows:

• Newborns (0–3 months): 14–17 hours

• Infants (4–12 months): 12–16 hours

• Toddler (1–2 years): 11–14 hours

• Preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours

• School age (6–12 years): 9–12 hours

• Teen (13–18 years): 8–10 hours

• Adult (18–60 years): 7-plus hours

• Adult (61–64 years): 7–9 hours

• Adult (65+ years): 7–8 hours

Besides the number of hours, the quality of sleep is also important. 

Signs of poor sleep quality include:

• Waking in the middle of the night.

• Still not feeling rested after an adequate number of hours sleep.

Some things a person can do to improve sleep quality are:

• Avoiding sleeping in when you have had enough sleep.

• Going to bed around the same time each night.

• Spending more time outside and being more active during the day.

• Reducing stress through exercise, therapy, or other means.

Short-term health consequences of sleep disruption:

Short-term consequences of sleep disruption include 

• Increased stress responsivity
• Somatic problems
• Reduced quality of life (QoL)
• Emotional distress
• Mood disorders 
• Mental health problems
• Cognition, memory, and performance deficits 
• Behavior problems in otherwise healthy individuals.

Long-term health consequences of sleep disruption:

Long-term consequences of sleep disruption in otherwise healthy individuals include 

• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia
• CVD
• Weight-related issues 
• Metabolic syndrome and 
• Type II Diabetics mellitus

Summary:

Sleep is a vital, often neglected, component of every person’s overall health and well-being. So When it comes to health, sleep is as vital as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. 

”Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” –  Thomas Dekker