Why Do We Need Sleep?

Like most of you, I am extremely busy. I have ten different things and not enough time to do them in. Most of the time I am fortunate to manage. I do not get the amount of sleep I probably should, but I manage. And, if I am honest sometimes I wish that I could live without sleep because there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done that I need to. Do you ever feel like this? Sleep gets in the way of a lot of things, yet it is necessary. Why is this?

Although we may not exactly be able to predict how sleep works, what we can observe for sure is that sleep is necessary for survival. Without the natural state of rest that sleep offers you, there is no way you would be able to function properly. If you think about it, there is a lot of truth to this. Think about the short-term energy that a 20-minute power nap can provide. Fully relaxing the body can do so much more for rejuvenation purposes.

According to scientists who research sleep, one of the major reasons that necessitate sleep is to restore and heal our bodies. Apparently while we sleep, our hormone and immune functions change. When we are sleep deprived, we may experience deficiencies in our immune system. This is most likely why you are more susceptible to sickness when you are going on no sleep. Furthermore, some people suggest that sleep aids in our growth. However, there is no scientific evidence to legitimize this claim.

One of the most valuable tools that sleep offers is a restoration to the brain. People assume that neurons are restored and that brain proteins and certain hormones are produced while sleeping. Because of this fact, it is particularly important the children get the sleep they need. Without it, they could experience a loss of brain mass.

All in all, sleep is extremely beneficial in allowing our body time away from the threats of the environment. Our body can relax and calm itself for a few hours before it has to go out and face the world again. The sleep we experience gives us the necessary fuel and power to combat the threats around us, whatever they may be. So, the next time you wish you could go without sleep, be grateful for all the wonderful things sleep does for your body.