The Benefits of Good Sleep

Don't you feel very recharged and refreshed after a good night's sleep? Isn't sleep one of the best things that could relieve stress, tension and sickness? If you search websites, you would find very interesting quotes about sleep. Here are a few:

The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep. - anonymous
If I didn't wake up, I would be sleeping. - Yogi Bear
A good laugh and a good sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. - Irish proverb
To sleep is an act of faith. - Barbara Harrison
Problems look smaller after a warm meal and good night's sleep. - anonymous

What does really sleep do to our bodies? When we sleep, it is that state of rest when our consciousness is interrupted. It benefits the body because during this period, there is decreased movement of the skeletal muscles and metabolism is slowed down. Since the body is lying down during sleep, the body is in a relaxed position. There is less stress and reduced response to stimulation.

Sleep helps with the brain's memory function and learning. With sleep, organization of memories is done. Students would benefits with a good sleep because it may solidify the learning in the brain. To some people, sleep may work effectively with studying in different ways. Other choose to have several hours of good sleep first. They would feel refreshed and start studying because they feel that their brain can absorb well. There are those who would study earlier and then go to bed thinking that the sleep would solidify what they have studied.

Perhaps it also has something to do with what experts say about the effect of sleep on neurons. They say that sleep tends to repair used neurons during sleep. After a whole day of busy activities, neurons are used. And when someone is deprived from sleep, neurons are unable to perform effectively. If this happens a lot, the nervous system could be impaired.

When we sleep, we give our bodies the breather that they need. With ample sleep, we become less vulnerable to infection and disease. Do you notice that after several days of less sleep, you would become hoarse, could catch a cold and feel weak? This is because the immune system becomes weak.

For the younger ones, doctors would recommend more hours of sleep. This could be between 10 to 12 hours. This is because of their need for growth and development. Growth hormones are released during sleep, so more is necessary especially for growing children. Young adults may need 8 - 9 hours of sleep. Older people may feel comfortable with 6 - 8 hours of good sleep.

Sleep aids in mood and social behaviors. It helps one to have a positive over-all disposition. Studies show that during sleep, the part of the brain that controls emotions and social interactions slow down, allowing optimal performance when awake. When people do not have enough sleep, they would appear tired, cranky, easily upset and frustrated

The quality of sleep should be given attention also. Frequently interrupted sleep could lessen the quality of a good night's sleep. This would not allow the body the time that it needs for restorative purposes. Cat naps could help make up for this, and this is effective for some people. Also called power naps, taking this 30-minute naps help some feel rejuvenated and alert. There are people who try to make up for lost sleep by sleeping more during weekends. This could help, but people must also realize that sometimes they have lost too much sleep during the week that trying to make up does not completely erase their sleep debt.

What is important is to have a consistent, regular sleep and wake schedules. Comfortable sleep clothes and bed and pillows are necessary. Finish eating 2 - 3 hours before bed time. Do not overdo it because you cannot also sleep with a growling stomach. Exercise regularly as this would also aid in your longing for good sleep. Avoid alcohol and caffeine products before bedtime, and you may use mood music or a hot bath to relax your body and senses.

If machines and gadgets need recharging, what more the body? Provide quantity and quality time for your sleep. You owe your body a lot to keep it going.