Sleep is often viewed as a luxury rather than as a necessity in today’s fast-paced world! But what if we told you that sleep is not just about rest but the foundation of health and longevity. Medical science agrees that sleep has far-reaching implications on one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The vital role of sleep

In today’s 24/7 h society, the importance of sleep is often undermined, yet it is a cornerstone of health and longevity. Sleep is not only a mere state of rest and inactivity, but also a critical component of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being for all age groups across all life stages. Quality sleep is essential for our day-to-day physical and mental functioning.

Research during the last 30 years has convincingly shown that lack of sleep has adverse effects on one’s life, resulting in chronic illnesses with a reduced lifespan. Recently, India is sleeping less, which is more observed in the growing adolescents.

Sleep as a mechanism for physical healing

According to medical sciences, sleep is important for fixing your body and staying healthy overall.

1) Physical repair and growth

During sleep, your body undergoes repair and detoxification. A tiny gland in your brain called the pituitary gland secretes growth hormone, mostly during the N3 stage,  the deepest stage of sleep. This hormone helps fix tissues, grow muscles, and strengthen bones. This natural fixing process is needed to recover from injuries and the everyday wear and tear your body goes through.

2) Immune function

Sleep is important for your immune health! Your body makes cytokines. These cytokines battle infections and fight inflammation. If your sleep is inadequate, your cytokines level is down. You are more susceptible to infection.   Studies show if you sleep less than 7 hours a night, you are three times more likely to catch a cold. So sleep well, and improve your body’s natural immune system.

3) Neurological health

While you are sleeping, your brain gets refreshed for optimal productivity. Sleep makes memories stronger. During sleep, the brain gets rid of toxins that are collected while you are awake. This cleaning is vital because it helps to keep your brain healthy, and working well and reduces the risk of having memory problems like Alzheimer’s disease as you grow older. Sleep is a major contributor to mental and physical health outcomes.

4) Hormonal balance

Sleep deprivation leads to increased levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. It leads to overeating and obesity, decreases insulin secretion, and improves insulin resistance. Therefore short sleepers are more prone to obesity and diabetes mellitus II. Sleep is an independent factor for obesity.  So, regular sleep keeps your hormones happy and your body functioning smoothly.