Wondering Why Is Sleep Important

Those wondering why is sleep important? may know that the question is difficult to answer. No one knows exactly why people sleep. We do know that the ramifications of sleep deprivation are significant, whether the person has accumulated a sleep debt over time or whether the person has lost a night's sleep.

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Sleep is important in that it appears to help people recharge after conscious mental activity. While the sleep state seems to be inactive, the brain goes through five stages of sleep that include increased activity. The REM cycle is the most active stage of sleep, during which dreaming and increased mental activity occurs.

Notions about what makes sleep important include psychological factors. Some believe that people require rest in order to allow the subconscious mind to process the events of the day. Dreams may reflect the individual's need to process experiences mentally while in an unconscious state.

The glaring problem with the theory is creatures that do not practice analytical thought sleep as well. While many animals dream, they are mostly likely not working through their daily experiences on a psychoanalytical manner. Sleep is important for reasons that go beyond psychological health.

It is important to note that sleep deprivation is connected with mental health problems, and lack of sleep has a significant impact on mood.

• Irritability
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Cognitive processing problems
• Memory impairment
• Attention deficits

The connection between mental processing, mood and sleep is apparent, as evidenced by the problems that occur when people do not get enough rest. Sleep is important when it comes to physical health as well.

The physical ramifications of lack of sleep occur over time or they can be acute. Physical problems occur in two realms, injury and health. Injuries can easily occur because of mental processing problems and poor reaction time, as when someone falls asleep while driving. People who suffer from sleep deprivation may have a tendency to experience injuries at work and at leisure.

Health problems may develop over time. Lack of sleep has been associated with a number of physical ailments including:

• Heart problems
• Hypertension
• Overweight
• Increased mortality risk

Health problems associated with severe insomnia are more than significant, with mortality rates looming in studies conducted by Penn State College of Medicine and the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, respectively. The inability to get enough rest has been shown in studies to have a higher mortality risk than heart disease, hypertension and smoking. The staggering effects of insomnia make this condition a serious health concern for many people.

Sleep is especially important for children and teenagers because their bodies and minds are developing. Lack of sleep can result in a slowing of growth during infancy and childhood. Mental and physical wellbeing for children and teens depend on getting adequate rest. The need continues throughout life.

Elderly individuals need to recharge as well. Studies show that elderly males who have insomnia triple their risk of mortality. The sleep disturbances are also predictors in being institutionalized as a senior. Those who had insomnia were more likely to spend their remaining years in an institution than those who slept well.

Wondering why is sleep important? Getting enough rest is essential for physical and mental wellbeing. Sleeping appears to help the body recharge and it seems to help the mind regroup, promoting health and mental clarity. How sleep works is still a mystery but the benefits of treating a sleep disorder are far too great to be ignored.

Individuals who suspect having a sleep disorder should consult a physician for an evaluation. Daytime fatigue that occurs on a consistent basis should not be ignored. Determining a cause for disruptions while sleeping can help improve overall health and quality of life. Improvements in mood, mental processing and physical health typically occur as patients regain proper sleep habits.

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