Sleep

In a 2010 survey, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention detailed that 30% of Americans report six hours of sleep or less a night [Source]. And I’m sure the number of Americans who would say they have 6 or less hours of restful sleep at night would yield a similar or higher percentage.  This is despite some of sleep’s known benefits and relations:  Deep sleep can lead to more positive emotions Sleep can assist and lead to improved memory Sleep plays a role in slowing or quickening the Aging Process Sleep can reduce stress and thus, improve immunity Sleep can improve physical performance, and here Sleep plays a large role in immunity How Important is Sleep Continued… Immune Function: Sleep is an immune reaction. Throughout the day bacteria (that you need) are growing within your gut and body, and after a certain point, you fall asleep so immune system-related cells (like macrophages) can kill the bacteria and balance out the good/bad bacteria for the next day. You can probably infer what happens if you don’t sleep. The bacteria keep growing and growing and immune function becomes weaker and weaker. Hormones: To make it short and simple, your body runs [...]