Is Sleep Good for Us?
I always like a good sleep. How about you? I feel good and ready to conquer the world. If I don’t get enough sleep, I’m a bear. I get very irritable and short with everyone. Does that sound like you too? Animal studies have shown that sleep is necessary for survival. One sleep study that was done on rats showed that rats that were deprived of REM sleep only lived about 5 weeks, and rats deprived of all sleep stages live only about 3 weeks. The sleep deprived rats also developed low body temperatures and sores on their tail and paws. These studies suggest that sleep deprivation affects the immune system.
Sleep is needed for our nervous systems to work properly. Too little sleep and we become drowsy and unable to concentrate. It also leads to impaired memory and slowed physical performance. It can even cause hallucinations and mood swings. Experts think sleep gives our neurons a chance to shut down and repair themselves. Without sleep, neurons may begin to malfunction because they have no more energy.
Deep sleep causes the release of growth hormone in children and young adults. The body’s cells increase production and reduced breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Proteins are the building blocks for cell growth and repair. Activity in parts of the brain are drastically reduced during deep sleep, so sleep may help people maintain there emotional and social functioning while they are awake.
On that note, I’m going to go and get my beauty sleep. I want to be in tip top shape for the new day. I think all of you should do the same. See you next time.
Good Night to All,
Cheryl
Tags: sleep, sleep tight, sleep well