The Importance of Rest

Sleep is a common denominator for us all, and is essential to proper functioning in our daily lives. It is a dormant, unconscious state which naturally occurs for humans and animals alike and is essential to basic survival. It is commonly believed that sleep is a passive state; however sleep is now known to be a dynamic process as our brains are quite active while asleep. The overall purposes and mechanisms of sleep are only partially understood to scientists and are the subject of many ongoing research projects in the medical community.[www.apa.org]

The importance of sleep can be best defined by examining the consequences of sleep deprivation. Many animal studies show that sleep deprivation is the direct cause of numerous physical ailments, decreased immune systems, body temperature regulation and heart rate variability [www.emedicinehealth.com]. The nervous system is also affected by the lack of proper sleep, causing drowsiness, loss of concentration, decreased motor skills, mood swings, impairment of memory and even hallucinations. [www.emedicinehealth.com]

The information presented is for informational purposes only. Any consumer should consult their doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problems/questions and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.