Why Adequate Sleep is Critical

 SLEEP IS IMPORTANT

    Sleep is vital to every internal organ system, bodily and brain functions - as we age, we must gain adequate amounts of sleep daily to enhance our overall performance levels. As babies and young children, we are taught and guided to incorporate naps and nightly rest into our daily lives, however usually when adulthood hits schedules get busy, and we neglect our health. 

    Sleep and rest patterns begin to decrease and decline as we age, because we become so consumed with our professional lives that we forget to take care of ourselves. Even while sleep, the brain stays completely active and functional, which shows how powerful our brain and neurons are. Without sleep and consistent rest, you can't manage the pathways in your brain that allows us to learn, remember, develop, create or concentrate in order to respond effectively.

Sleep Stages (1-3)

Stage 1 (non-REM sleep is the changeover from wakefulness to sleep) 

Stage 2 (non-REM sleep is a period of light sleep before you enter deeper sleep.  Your heartbeat and breathing slow, and muscles relax even further.  Your body temperature drops and eye movements stop)

Stage 3 (non-REM sleep is the period of deep sleep that you need to feel refreshed in the morning.  It occurs in longer periods during the first half of the night) 

REM sleep first occurs about 90 minutes after falling asleep.  Your eyes move rapidly from side to side behind closed eyelids.  Mixed frequency brain wave activity becomes closer to that seen in wakefulness. 

 

    Studies show how effective sleep allows the body to remove and cleanse itself from daily environmental and social toxins - this shows how the body refuels, recharges and rejuvenates itself during sleeping cycles. Sleep affects almost every tissue and bodily system – from the brain, heart, and lungs to metabolism, immune function, mood, and disease resistance. 

    Sleeping is a complex process that affects how we function, operate, respond and exist - scientists and doctors are still researching how years of poor sleep patterns can negatively impact your body and future, tremendously. 

“You fell in love with a storm. Did you really think you would get out unscathed?”

― Nikita Gill