Sleep is essential for overall well-being, impacting various aspects of health. During non-REM sleep, your heart rate and blood pressure drop as the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, allowing your body to recover. However, during REM sleep and upon waking, the sympathetic system activates. Frequent awakenings or inadequate sleep can elevate the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke.
Hormones also play a crucial role in sleep. In the morning, cortisol helps you wake up, while other hormones, including those involved in growth and puberty, follow a circadian rhythm influenced by sleep patterns.
Metabolism is closely linked to sleep, with disruptions leading to higher hunger hormones, decreased insulin sensitivity, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
Sleep also affects respiratory and immune systems. Reduced breathing during sleep can worsen conditions like asthma or COPD, while inadequate sleep weakens immune responses, increasing susceptibility to infections.
Prioritising good sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and limiting stimulants can improve overall health and cognitive function.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important
