Sleep may not be as important as breathing but it is essential for the body's optimum growth and development. A number of clinical studies reveal that...
Sleep may not be as important as breathing but it is essential for the body's optimum growth and development. A number of clinical studies reveal that sleep is relatively essential in performing daily activities effectively and efficiently. A day of sleep deprivation can significantly affect the functioning of an individual. In fact,
sleep deprivation can alter an individual's physical well being, mood and cognitive function. Extreme sleep deprivation can also lead to poor mental clarity, hallucination and even death such as meeting an accident due to lack of focus and concentration. Below are just some of the major reasons on why sleep is important.
Sleep is actually a natural physiological phenomenon that is essential for the body's normal and healthy functioning. It is a state of unconsciousness wherein an individual can be greatly aroused because the brain is getting more responsive towards internal stimuli compared to external stimuli. This simply means that even when an individual sleeps, he is in an unconscious state but his brain remains to be active.
Sleep is the body's natural way of rejuvenating. Also, sleeps enables the body to repair, recharge and build itself naturally. When an individual sleeps, soft tissues and muscles are once again revitalized and repaired. Also, high quality of sleep can boost the immune system of human beings which can enhance their ability to fight against disease and infection. When sleeping, the release of growth hormone takes place. This is why children and young adults should acquire adequate amount of sleep daily.
By sleeping, the mind is able to process memories through the process of memory consolidation. A clinical study revealed that people who slept after learning a new task performed better in a test compared to people who did not take a sleep. Also, cardiovascular diseases might transpire due to lack of sleep. Irregular heartbeats, increased level of stress hormone production and hypertension are directly linked to chronic lack of sleep.
To determine why sleep is important, it would be best to identify first the effects of sleep deprivation or lack of sleep. Sleeping is relatively important for the nervous system to work properly and efficiently. People who have not acquired adequate amount of sleep tend to become moody, irritable, impatient and have difficulty in concentrating. Also, working on with little things can easily cause an individual to get tired.
Sleep also plays a major role in weight gain and reduced metabolism. Chronic lack of sleep negatively affects the production of hormones that are responsible for having an appetite. A 24-hour of sustained wakefulness can significantly affect the metabolic rate of an individual. People who are sleep-deprived can put their safety at risk all the time. These people are more likely to meet accidents because of lack of concentration.
Basically, sleep is important in keeping the emotions positive and balanced all the time, improving one's memory, keeping the brain sharp and focused and in promoting a stronger and healthier body. Sufficient amount of sleep can also help in maintaining an optimal emotional and social functioning.
