Why do we need sleep?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining brain health, reducing the risk for neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease, bolstering the immune system, sustaining good mental health, and recovering from the stressors of the day. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommends that adults (over 18 years of age) should get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.[1] Sleep deprivation is associated with obesity, and this relationship may be due to changes in eating, activity levels and hormone levels.[2]

    References

    1. ^, Watson NF, Badr MS, Belenky G, Bliwise DL, Buxton OM, Buysse D, Dinges DF, Gangwisch J, Grandner MA, Kushida C, Malhotra RK, Martin JL, Patel SR, Quan SF, Tasali E, , Twery M, Croft JB, Maher E, , Barrett JA, Thomas SM, Heald JLRecommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society.J Clin Sleep Med.(2015-Jun-15)
    2. ^Cooper CB, Neufeld EV, Dolezal BA, Martin JLSleep deprivation and obesity in adults: a brief narrative review.BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med.(2018)