Bad sleep is not due to a lack of medication. It’s due to life. 

If you are a patient of ours, we’ve probably had a discussion about sleep and its incredible importance. Part of our program for patients who don’t heal in an appropriate time frame, or whose stress level or anxiety impairs function, is to work on natural solutions to better sleep. Better sleep is one of our specialties, and we can help you and your body help itself. The following list is full of reasons to reconsidering letting your sleep “go” as less important than other parts of your life. If you are having issues with more than 5 of the items on the list below, it’s time to learn about getting help.

Bottom line: Sleep cannot be compromised for an extended period of time if you want to have a happy, healthy life. If this seems a bit extreme, blame the research for quantifying the value of sleep.

Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Here are some key reasons why sleep is so important:

1. Physical restoration and repair: During sleep, the body repairs tissues, synthesizes proteins, and releases growth hormones. This helps with healing and recovery[1][2].

2. Brain function and cognitive performance: Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. It improves focus, concentration and productivity[1][2].

3. Emotional regulation: Adequate sleep helps regulate mood and emotions. Sleep deprivation is linked to increased irritability, stress, anxiety and depression[1][2].

4. Immune system function: Sleep strengthens the immune system and helps fight off infections. Chronic sleep deprivation can suppress immune function[2][4].

5. Cardiovascular health: During sleep, heart rate and blood pressure decrease, giving the cardiovascular system a chance to rest. Insufficient sleep is associated with increased risk of heart disease[2][4].

6. Metabolic health: Sleep plays a role in regulating hormones that control appetite and blood sugar. Poor sleep is linked to increased risk of obesity and diabetes[2][4].

7. Growth and development: Sleep is especially important for children and adolescents, as it supports proper physical and mental development[3].

8. Safety: Getting enough sleep reduces the risk of accidents and injuries due to drowsiness and impaired cognitive function[4].

9. Longevity: Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased mortality risk and development of various chronic diseases[5].

10. Quality of life: Adequate sleep improves overall well-being, energy levels, and ability to engage in and enjoy daily activities[1].

The recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7-9 hours per night. Consistently getting enough quality sleep is just as important for health as proper nutrition and regular exercise[1][2]. Making sleep a priority and practicing good sleep hygiene can have wide-ranging benefits for physical and mental health.

Citations:
[1] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep
[2] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/benefits-of-sleep
[3] https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/better-sleep-why-its-important-for-your-health-and-tips-to-sleep-soundly/2023/03
[4] https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/04/good-sleep-good-health
[5] https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.9476
[6] https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep
[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325353
[8] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important
[9] https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2020posts/why-sleep-is-so-important-to-your-health.html