Sleep Better to Breathe Better

Sleep is a golden chain that ties health and our bodies together. Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Kids and teens need even more.

An internal “body clock”regulates your sleep cycle, controlling when you feel tired and ready for bed. Once we fall asleep, our bodies follow a sleep cycle- 3 stages of

• Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) - sleep is where our brain is quieter, and slows down

• Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep - where the brain is more active and we are more inclined to dream

Benefits of good sleep

• Healing and repair of cells, tissues and blood vessels

• Better brain function including alertness, decision-making, focus, learning,

  memory, reasoning and problem-solving

• More creativity and productivity

• Improved mood and energy

• Healthy growth and development for kids and teens

• Better ability to build muscle

• Quicker reflexes

• Stronger immune system

Causes of poor sleep :

• Cardiovascular Diseases

• Diabetes, High Blood pressure

• Breathing problems

• High Cholesterol

• Hormone imbalance

• Memory and cognitive issues like Alzheimer’s,Dementia

• Depression

• Increased appetite and unhealthy eating

• Inflammation, Infection

• Stress , Obesity

Effects of disturbed sleep on health in general

When your sleep is disturbed it affects your mental abilities and your physical health at risk.

Sleep Deprivation is lack of sleep or reduced quality of sleep. Body needs sleep just as it needs air and food to function at its best. Long term effects of sleep deprivation are real.

Noticeable signs of sleep deprivation include:

• Excessive Sleepiness

• Frequent Yawning

• Irritability

• Daytime fatigue

Summary

• Sleep is essential for general well being

• Sleep deprivation has lot of harmful effects for health

• Systemic as well as other conditions can cause a lack of sleep