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Why is Sleep Important?

Watch this video to discover why sleep is so essential for positive mental and physical health . . .

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The importance of sleep for teachers and other school staff can't be underestimated, but nor can it be precisely explained. Sleep research pioneer Allan Rechtschaffen, famously stated, "If sleep does not serve an absolutely vital function, then it is the biggest mistake the evolutionary process has ever made."

Sleep is a fundamental process that affects all aspects of our lives, including our health, mood, cognitive performance, and well-being. Despite decades of research, the exact function of sleep remains a mystery, and it is unclear why we spend almost a third of our lives sleeping. However, what is clear is that sleep is essential for our survival and overall health, and lack of sleep can have serious consequences.

Researchers have discovered that sleep plays multiple roles in biological changes at the molecular, cellular, and network levels. During sleep, the body goes through a restorative process that helps it repair and recover from the day's activities. This physical recuperation is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, repairing damaged tissues, and regulating hormones. The short-term consequences of lack of sleep include feeling sluggish, impaired motor performance, and reduced alertness. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of some diseases, and even lead to premature death.

Most researchers agree on two vital functions:

Sleep allows the body to physically recuperate
REM sleep appears essential to cognitive functions
REM sleep is a crucial phase of the sleep cycle, which occurs several times throughout the night. During REM sleep, the brain becomes highly active, and there is an increase in brain wave activity. This phase is essential for cognitive functions, such as memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can impair cognitive performance, reduce attention, and interfere with decision-making processes.

It is believed that deep, REM sleep is an integral factor in the brain's ability to process information. The neurophysiological process responsible for forming new connections between neurons occurs during REM sleep. This suggests a connection between deep, REM sleep, and the ability to learn, store, and retrieve new information. In addition, REM sleep may play a critical role in emotional regulation, and its disruption has been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

In conclusion, sleep is an essential process that is vital for our overall health and well-being. While the exact function of sleep remains unclear, it is clear that it plays a critical role in physical and cognitive functions. Teachers and other school staff who get sufficient sleep are likely to perform better, feel more alert, and have better overall health. Therefore, it is important for individuals to prioritise their sleep and adopt healthy sleep habits to ensure they get the rest they need.

Why not explore some of our other videos and guides on sleep by searching for 'Sleep' in your wellbeing toolkit?

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