Your body needs sleep for 3 main functions:
Brain Function:
While you’re sleeping, your brain is preparing for the next day. It’s forming new pathways to help you learn and remember information. Studies show that a good night’s sleep improves learning.
Physical Health:
Sleep is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke, and it increases the risk of obesity. The right amount of sleep also reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
Productivity/Safety:
Getting enough sleep helps you function well throughout the day. People who are sleep deficient are less productive at work and school. They take longer to finish tasks, have a slower reaction time, and make more mistakes.
Signs and symptoms of lack of sleep:
● Difficulty waking up in the morning.
● Inability to concentrate.
● Falling asleep during classes
● Weight gain or weight loss
● Feelings of moodiness and even depression
Strategies for getting more sleep:
● Set a regular bedtime
● Exercise regularly
● Avoid stimulants
● Relax your mind
● Unwind by keeping the lights low
● Don’t nap too much
● Avoid all-nighters
● Create the right sleeping environment
● Wake up with bright light.