Sleep isn’t just a time when your body shuts down — it’s a vital process that keeps you alive and well. Here’s a peek into the fascinating science of sleep:
- Brain cleanup: During sleep, your brain clears out toxins that accumulate during the day, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Memory consolidation: Sleep strengthens memories and helps you retain what you’ve learned.
- Body repair: Tissue growth and repair happen during deep sleep stages.
- Hormone regulation: Sleep balances hormones like cortisol (stress hormone) and insulin, helping with stress management and metabolism.
- Dreams and creativity: The REM stage of sleep is when most dreaming occurs, often sparking creativity and problem-solving skills.
Sleep is divided into cycles, each lasting about 90 minutes and consisting of four stages. Missing out on sleep can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and long-term health issues like obesity and heart disease.
For a good night’s rest, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, maintain a consistent schedule, and avoid screens before bedtime. Sweet dreams!