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Importance of Sleep
SLEEP WELL FOR LIFE!
SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL TO GOOD HEALTH
Sleep is a sophisticated process carefully regulated by our brain with valuable restorative properties for our physical and mental health and is necessary for our bodies to build up energy reserves and regenerate body cells and tissues. During sleep, your heartbeat and breathing slow, growth hormones peak, muscles relax, and your body temperature lowers.
WHEN WE DON'T GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Short-term sleep deprivation usually causes little physical harm, since the body compensates for the lack of sleep by increasing its adrenaline levels during the day. A person may experience temporary feelings of pessimism or negativity. However, even short-term sleep deprivation can be dangerous if driving a car or operating machinery. Sleep deprivation is thought to cause half of all traffic fatalities on U.S. highways. In fact, studies have shown that being forced to stay awake 17 to 19 hours can cause the same impaired abilities as having a 0.05 percent blood alcohol content.
AND THE RESULTS
Lack of sleep and irregular sleep patterns can cause memory and vocabulary loss, short attention span and other symptoms. Complications can include fatigue, obesity, premature aging and increased risk for diabetes, infection, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disease. Chronic sleep deprivation can even lead to paranoia or hallucinations.
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