The Power of Sleep: Why It Matters More Than You Think (Collab with bestmedhelp)

What is Sleep?:

1. Essential for health, cognitive function, and overall well-being

2. Natural part of humans day to day lives where a person's consciousness and brain activity is lowered for rest

3. Has many different stages of sleep throughout the night

Recommended Sleep:

1. Newborns (0-3 months) - 14-17 hours

2. Infants (4-11 months) - 12-15 hours

3. Toddlers (1-2 years) - 11-14 hours

4. Preschoolers (3-5 years) - 10-13 hours

5. School age children (6-13 years) - 9-11 hours

6. Teenagers (14-17 years) - 8-10 hours 

7. Young adults (18-25): 7-9 hours

8. Older adults (65+) - 7-8 hours

Why is Sleep Important:

1. Plays a huge role in cognitive function that improves memory, learning, and problem-solving

2. Improves physical health by supporting the immune system and heart health.

3. Helps regulate emotions and reduce stress

4. Plays a critical role in growth and development, especially children

Effects of Sleep Deprivation:

1. Loss sense of focus and memory

2. Increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart problems

3. Weakened Immune system

4. Mood swings and increased anxiety

5. Higher risk of accidents

Stages of Sleep:

1. Stage 1: transition phase between wakefulness and sleep, lasting several minutes. Heartbeat, breathing, etc begins to slow down

2. Stage 2: Deeper relaxation phase where body temp drops and eye movement ceases. Brain wave activities slows with bursts of electrical activity 

3. Stage 3: Crucial for restorative processes and breathing and heartbeat reaches their lowest levels.

4. REM sleep: occurs about 90 minutes after falling asleep and supports functions such as learning and mood regulation 

Tips for Better Sleep Quality: 

1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. 

2. Create a restful environment 

3. Be mindful of food and drinks

4. Limit daytime naps

5. Engage in physical activities 

6. Manage stress and relaxation before bedtime. 

7. Limit time screen