Dr Marissa Stadler writes:
While we may not often think about why we need to sleep, most of us acknowledge that a good night's sleep makes us more alert, more energetic, happier, and allows us to function better. The fact that little or no sleep leaves us feeling worse for wear only begins to explain why it is so necessary.
One way to think about the function of sleep is to compare it to another of our life-sustaining activities, eating. Hunger is a protective mechanism that has evolved to ensure that we consume the nutrients our bodies require to grow, repair tissue, and function correctly. Going without food produces the uncomfortable sensation of hunger while going without sleep make us feel overwhelmingly sleepy.
Sleep plays a role in muscle growth, tissue repair, protein synthesis, growth hormone release and the healing and repairing of your heart and blood vessels. Other rejuvenating aspects of sleep are specific to the brain and cognitive function. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.
As sleep is one of the essential aspects of health, it is with great excitement that we introduce Sleep Renewal. Our first sleep clinic, offering overnight sleep studies, at the newly revamped Morningside branch.
Find out more about our new sleep clinic and the importance of good quality sleep - Sleep Starts Here