Sleep is vital to our well-being – physically, mentally and emotionally. A surprising number of vital tasks are carried out during sleep that help maintain good health and enable us to function at our very best during the day. For instance, during sleep, your brain forms pathways that are necessary for learning, creating memories and developing new insights. Lack of sleep has been associated with mood problems, and there is growing evidence that it can also increase the risk for developing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious health issues. Healthy adults generally need between 8 and 8 ½ hours per night on average, though this can vary more or less, depending on an individual’s sleep needs. Most medical experts agree that at least 4-5 hours of unbroken, or quality, sleep is necessary for you to feel energized and ready to take on the world the next morning. Sleep well!
