Sleeping consumes approximately one-third of your lifetime, yet it remains a challenge for many. Specialists face difficulties in understanding its purpose and phenomena occurring during this state.
Energy conservation and storage is a process that occurs within the human body. Throughout the day, cells utilize stored resources to carry out their functions. During sleep, the body’s energy consumption decreases, allowing cells to replenish supplies and prepare for the following day. Sleep also helps the body recover–the body is less active during sleep– and it becomes more efficient in healing injuries and resolving issues that may have occurred while someone was awake. Sleep is important for brain maintenance too, engaging in the process of reorganization and cataloging memories of acquired knowledge.
The amount of sleep you need varies since it is “variable from person to person”. It is worth noting that the amount of sleep needed can be influenced by genetic factors. Instances can occur where individuals can inherit the characteristics of being a “short sleeper” from one of their parents.
During sleep, the brain remains partially active. Although one’s awareness of the external environment diminishes while asleep, there is still a significant amount of detectable brain activity. Predictable patterns are classified into two types: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
For better sleep, it is important to have a consistent sleep schedule, have a comfortable room setting, remove electronic devices, avoid large meals or drinks other than water, and get some exercise.
References
1. “Good Sleep Habits.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 Sept. 2022,
2. Professional, Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Sleep.” Cleveland Clinic,
留言