Why do we Need Sleep?
How much sleep do we need?
Elaine Godley
Last Update a year ago
Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The benefits of adequate and quality sleep include:
Physical Health:
Immune Function: Sleep supports the immune system, helping the body fight off infections.
Heart Health: Adequate sleep is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Weight Management: Lack of sleep may contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Cognitive Function:
Memory Consolidation: Sleep is essential for the consolidation of memories and learning.
Mood Regulation: Proper sleep helps regulate mood and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
Emotional Well-being:
Stress Reduction: Sleep helps the body and mind recover from daily stressors.
Mental Health: Insufficient sleep is linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Physical Recovery:
Tissue Repair: Sleep supports the repair and growth of tissues and muscles.
Hormone Regulation: Hormones related to growth, stress, and appetite are regulated during sleep.
Phases of Sleep:
Sleep consists of two main types: REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep is further divided into three stages:
NREM Stage 1: Light sleep, transitioning from wakefulness to sleep. It lasts several minutes.
NREM Stage 2: Slightly deeper sleep, characterized by a reduction in heart rate and body temperature.
NREM Stage 3: Deep sleep, where the body undergoes physical restoration and repair.
REM Stage: Dreaming occurs in this stage, and it is crucial for cognitive functions like memory and learning.
Best Time for the Body to Heal:
The body undergoes significant healing and repair during deep sleep (NREM Stage 3). This is when growth hormone is released, and various bodily functions are optimized for recovery.
Recommended Sleep Duration:
Young Children (Ages 3-5): 10-13 hours per night.
School-Age Children (Ages 6-12): 9-12 hours per night.
Teenagers (Ages 13-18): 8-10 hours per night.
Adults (Ages 18-64): 7-9 hours per night.
Seniors (Ages 65 and older): 7-8 hours per night.
These are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary. It's essential to prioritize consistent sleep patterns and address any sleep-related issues to promote optimal health at every age.
If you are having difficulty sleeping, speak to Marian Timms our recommended sleep expert https://theperfecthealthhub.tawk.help/article/marian-timms-sleep-and-emotional-health
