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The importance of sleep

BeachLife Physiotherapy • Nov 27, 2023

What is sleep?

  • Sleep is a naturally recurring state of mind and body
  • Sleep is controlled by our circadian rhythm
  • This runs 24 hours/day
  • The clock is controlled by a part of the brain known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
  • When this clock tells your body to sleep, a hormone known as melatonin is involved.

Importance of sleep

  • Sleep is vital for health and well-being in children, adolescents, and adults.
  • Healthy sleep is important for 
  • Cognitive functioning,
  • Mood,
  • Mental health,
  • Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, 
  • Metabolic health,
  • Athletic performance 
  • Reduces the risk of accidents and injuries
  • Chronic insufficient sleep is associated with
  • an increased risk of mortality
  • several medical epidemics including diabetes, obesity, and cancer

Stages of sleep

There are 4 stages of sleep

Quality of sleep is just as important as Quantity.

Getting REM sleep is highly important. REM sleep plays a role in memory consolidation, emotional processing, brain development.

Recommended hours of sleep

  • Teen (14-17 year) = 8-10 hours of sleep
  • Young adult (18-25 years) =7-8 hours of sleep
  • Adult(26-64 years) = 7-9 hours of sleep
  • Older adult (64+ years) =7-8 hours of sleep

What can affect sleep?

Our sleep is affected by internal and external factors

  • Day/night (time zones)
  • Blue light eg phones, computers
  • To much Alcohol or caffeine
  • Irregular sleep schedule
  • Timing of meals and foods consumed
  • Physical pain & stress
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