benefits of sleep - are you good sleeper? you must know about this

In studies of humans and other animals, they have discovered that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions. The features in this section explore these discoveries and describe specific ways in which we all benefit from sleep.Too much sleep — as well as not enough sleep — raises the risk of chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and obesity in adults age 45 and older. Sleeping too much puts you at greater risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes than sleeping too little.
A review of 15 studies found that people who don't get enough sleep are at far greater risk of heart disease or stroke than those who sleep 7–8 hours per night ( 15 ). Sleeping less than 7–8 hours per night is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.Sleep helps control our metabolism and weight, promotes stable moods, helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, boosts our immune system/function, increases knowledge retention, and helps us with long and short-term memory. Sleep is also essential for brain functioning.
Skin makes new collagen when you sleep, which prevents sagging. “That's part of the repair process,” says Patricia Wexler, MD, a dermatologist in New York. More collagen means skin is plumper and less likely to wrinkle. Only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would.Sleeping earlier is better for your sleep schedule. Going to bed earlier can regulate your sleep schedule. Once you figure out your body's set “sleep need” amount, you'll be able to awaken naturally at just the right time every morning—no more feeling groggy as you're running late to work.

Studies have demonstrated that the timing of sleep matters, and it's best to sleep as much as possible during hours of darkness. Sleeping at night helps align the body's circadian rhythm, or internal clock, with its environment.Insomnia, the inability to get to sleep or sleep well at night, can be caused by stress, jet lag, a health condition, the medications you take, or even the amount of coffee you drink. Insomnia can also be caused by other sleep disorders or mood disorders such as anxiety and depression

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