Is sleeping necessary?

Sleep is important for good health. Not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions. There is also a correlation between the lack of sleep and the likelihood of developing obesity and diabetes. Some studies suggest associations between lack of sleep and diminished cognitive functioning and intelligence development.

During sleep, the body produces hormones that fuel growth in children, boost muscle mass, help repair cells and tissues, and help the immune system fight infections.

Tips to get a good night's sleep:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine
• Don’t exercise too late in the day
• Avoid alcoholic drinks before bed
• Avoid large meals and beverages late at night
• Relax before bed
• Remove distractions such as noises, bright lights, an uncomfortable bed, or a TV or computer in the bedroom
• For children, avoid long periods of daily television exposure

Sources

• Associations between Metabolic Syndrome and Inadequate Sleep Duration and Skipping Breakfast
• Associations between vasodilatory capacity, physical activity and sleep among younger and older adults.
• Guide to healthy sleep
• Is insomnia associated with deficits in neuropsychological functioning? Evidence from a population-based study.
• Hours of television viewing and sleep duration in children: a multicenter birth cohort study
• Effects of sleep deprivation on the intelligence structure of school-age children in Changsha, China
• Non Pharmacological Cognitive Enhancers – Current Perspectives