Sleep is essential for the body, as it is at this time that several important reactions occur, such as regulating endocrine functions, restoring energy and brain metabolism, repairing tissues, as well as consolidating memory.
For example, sleep deprivation, especially when chronic or repeated, can have serious health consequences, such as memory and learning problems, decreased attention, mood swings, risk of developing psychiatric illnesses, and a weakened immune system, for example.
- Sleep is controlled by areas of the brain and is linked to biochemical and physiological events in the body.
- And is also influenced by behavior.
- So that this runs smoothly.
- Sleep is divided into 4 phases.
- Which vary in the form of cycles.
- How they are divided and what happens during the sleep phases.
Thus, various conditions can lead to sleep-altering disturbances, from neurological, psychiatric, respiratory or simply bad habits that slow down the “biological clock” of sleep. Also find out which sleep disorders are most common.
Sleepiness, tiredness and loss of disposition are the first symptoms of a good night’s sleep, because it is at rest, especially in the deeper stages of sleep, when the body is able to regain energy.
It is during sleep when the brain is able to consolidate memories and renew cognitive performance, allowing greater concentration, attention and performance of functions.
For example, a person who is deprived of sleep for many hours has more difficulty remembering things, completing reasoning, concentrating or paying attention, having decision-making issues, and poor performance at work or school, for example.
Lack of sleep interferes with the body’s defense cell production, weakening the immune system and making it less effective at fighting infections. Get tips on what to do to improve immunity.
Lack of sleep can cause emotional instability, so people are more irritable, sad, or impatient. When sleep becomes chronic, the person is more likely to experience sadness, anxiety, and depression.
Other mental illnesses that can promote sleep disorders include eating disorders, panic syndrome, or alcoholism, for example.
Sleeping less than 6 hours a day can promote the onset of high blood pressure, as during sleep there is a rest period for the cardiovascular system, with decreased blood pressure and heart rate; In addition, lack of sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.
The proper relationship between sleep and wakefulness, which is the period during which you stay awake, is the basis of regulated hormone production in the body.
Thus, hormones such as melatonin, growth hormone, adrenaline and TSH are intimately linked to the existence of adequate sleep, so sleep deprivation, especially chronically, can lead to consequences such as stunting, difficulty gaining muscle mass, thyroid alterations or fatigue, for example.
Find out what other problems can occur when we don’t sleep well and what needs to be done to improve.