Sleep is important for various aspects of brain function<ul><li>concentration</li><li>Cognition</li><li>Productivity</li><li>Performance</li></ul>Good sleep can maximize problem solving skills and enhance memory.Even productivity king Elon musk gets 6 hours of sleep per night.

Boosts our productivity

Studies have shown that poor sleep patterns have linked to obesity.Short sleep duration may affect the person's ability to maintain healthy lifestyle

Weight gain

<ul><li>Increases social intelligence</li><li>Increases emotional intelligence</li></ul>Sleep helps recognizing other people's expression.Overall improving your lifestyle.

Intelligence

Adults is between 7 and 9 hours a night, and athletes may benefit from as many as 10 hours.<ul><li>Sleep is as important to athletes as consuming enough calories and nutrients</li></ul>Effects of better sleep:<ol><li>Intensity</li><li>More energy</li><li>Coordination</li><li>Speed</li><li>Mental functioning.</li></ol>

Athletic performance

Getting enough sleep is essential for helping a person maintain optimal health and well-being. When it comes to their health, sleep is as vital as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.Modern-day living in the United States and many other countries does not always embrace the necessity for adequate sleep. Yet, it is important that people make an effort to get enough sleep regularly.The following are some of the many benefits health professionals associate with getting a good night’s rest.<div><a name="better-productivity-and-concentration">1. Better productivity and concentration</a></div><img src="https://cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/325/325353/why-is-sleep-important.jpg" alt="Why is sleep important" width="690" height="460"> Research has linked getting enough sleep to better concentration, productivity, and cognition.There were several studies that scientists did in the early 2000s that looked at the effects of <a title="What to know about sleep deprivation" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307334.php" dir="ltr">sleep deprivation</a>.What the researchers concluded is that sleep has links to several brain functions, including:<UL><LI>concentration</LI><LI>productivity</LI><LI>cognition</LI></UL><div><a name="lower-weight-gain-risk">2. Lower weight gain risk</a></div>The link between weight gain and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/obesity/how-much-should-i-weigh.php" title="How Much Should I Weigh?" dir="ltr">obesity</a> and short sleep patterns is not completely clear.There have been several studies throughout the years that have linked obesity and poor sleep patterns.However, a more recent study in the journal <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23419528/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">Sleep Medicine</a></hl-trusted-source> concludes that there is no link between being overweight and sleep deprivation.This research argues that many previous studies fail to account adequately for other factors, such as:<UL><LI>drinking alcohol</LI><LI>level of physical activity</LI><LI>education levels</LI><LI>long working hours</LI><LI>long sedentary time</LI></UL>A lack of sleep may affect a person’s desire or ability to maintain a healthful lifestyle, but it may or may not be a direct contributor to weight gain.If you’re curious to learn more evidence-based information about the fascinating world of sleep, visit <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sleep" dir="ltr">our dedicated hub</a>.<div><a name="better-calorie-regulation">3. Better calorie regulation</a></div>Similarly to gaining weight, there is evidence to suggest that getting a good night’s sleep can help a person consume fewer <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245588.php" title="How many calories should I eat a day?" dir="ltr">calories</a> during the day. says that sleep patterns affect the hormones responsible for appetite.When a person does not sleep long enough, it can interfere with their body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly.<div><a name="greater-athletic-performance">4. Greater athletic performance</a></div><img src="https://cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/325/325353/why-is-sleep-important-athletic-performance.jpg" alt="Why is sleep important athletic performance" width="690" height="396"> Getting a sufficient amount of sleep can boost a person’s athletic performance.According to the <a href="https://www.sleep.org/articles/how-sleep-affects-athletes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">National Sleep Foundation</a>, adequate sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours a night, and athletes may benefit from as many as 10 hours. Accordingly, sleep is as important to athletes as consuming enough calories and nutrients.One of the reasons for this requirement is that the body heals during sleep. Other benefits include:<UL><LI>better performance intensity</LI><LI>more energy</LI><LI>better coordination</LI><LI>faster speed</LI><LI>better mental functioning</LI></UL><div><a name="lower-inflammation">8. Lower inflammation</a></div>There is a link between getting adequate sleep and reducing <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php" title="Everything you need to know about inflammation" dir="ltr">inflammation</a> in the body.For example, a study in the<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3882397/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">World Journal of Gastroenterology</a></hl-trusted-source> suggests a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases that affect people’s gastrointestinal tract.The study showed that sleep deprivation can contribute to these diseases — and that these diseases, in turn, can contribute to sleep deprivation.<div><a name="stronger-immune-system">9. Stronger immune system</a></div>Sleep helps the body repair, regenerate, and recover. The immune system is no exception to this relationship. Some research shows how better sleep quality can help the body fight off infection.However, scientists still need to do further research into the exact mechanisms of sleep in regards to its impact on the body’s immune system.<div><a name="sleep-recommendations">Sleep recommendations</a></div><img src="https://cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/325/325353/why-is-sleep-important-outdoor-walking.jpg" alt="Why is sleep important outdoor walking" width="690" height="460"> Spending more time outside can improve sleep quality.Sleep needs vary from person to person, depending on their age. As a person ages, they typically require less sleep to function properly.According to the <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">CDC</a></hl-trusted-source>, the breakdown is as follows:<UL><LI>Newborns (0–3 months): 14–17 hours</LI><LI>Infants (4–12 months): 12–16 hours</LI><LI>Toddler (1–2 years): 11–14 hours</LI><LI>Preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours</LI><LI>School age (6–12 years): 9–12 hours</LI><LI>Teen (13–18 years): 8–10 hours</LI><LI>Adult (18–60 years): 7-plus hours</LI><LI>Adult (61–64 years): 7–9 hours</LI><LI>Adult (65+ years): 7–8 hours</LI></UL>As well as the number of hours, the quality of sleep is also important. Signs of poor sleep quality include:<UL><LI>Waking in the middle of the night.</LI><LI>Still not feeling rested after an adequate number of hours sleep.</LI></UL>Some things a person can do to improve sleep quality are:<UL><LI>Avoiding sleeping in when you have had enough sleep.</LI><LI>Going to bed around the same time each night.</LI><LI>Spending more time outside and being more active during the day.</LI><LI>Reducing <a title="Why stress happens and how to manage it" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145855.php" dir="ltr">stress</a> through exercise, therapy, or other means.</LI></UL><div><a name="summary">Summary</a></div>Sleep is a vital, often neglected, component of every person’s overall health and well-being. Sleep is important because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day.Getting adequate rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration.

Sleep is important for energy, avoiding weight gain, lowering the risk of heart disease, and reducing stress. Learn more about the importance of getting a good night’s rest here.

health

Health

Getting enough sleep is essential for helping a person maintain optimal health and well-being. When it comes to their health, sleep is as vital as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.

Modern-day living in the United States and many other countries does not always embrace the necessity for adequate sleep. Yet, it is important that people make an effort to get enough sleep regularly.

The following are some of the many benefits health professionals associate with getting a good night’s rest.

Research has linked getting enough sleep to better concentration, productivity, and cognition.

There were several studies that scientists did in the early 2000s that looked at the effects of <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307334.php" title="What to know about sleep deprivation">sleep deprivation </a>.

What the researchers concluded is that sleep has links to several brain functions, including:

<ul><li>concentration </li><li>productivity </li><li>cognition </li> </ul>

The link between weight gain and <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/obesity/how-much-should-i-weigh.php" title="How Much Should I Weigh?">obesity </a>and short sleep patterns is not completely clear.

There have been several studies throughout the years that have linked obesity and poor sleep patterns.

However, a more recent study in the journal <hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" source="PubMed Central"><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23419528/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sleep Medicine </a> </hl-trusted-source>

concludes that there is no link between being overweight and sleep deprivation.

This research argues that many previous studies fail to account adequately for other factors, such as:

<ul><li>drinking alcohol </li><li>level of physical activity </li><li>education levels </li><li>long working hours </li><li>long sedentary time </li> </ul>

A lack of sleep may affect a person’s desire or ability to maintain a healthful lifestyle, but it may or may not be a direct contributor to weight gain.

If you’re curious to learn more evidence-based information about the fascinating world of sleep, visit <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sleep">our dedicated hub </a>.

Similarly to gaining weight, there is evidence to suggest that getting a good night’s sleep can help a person consume fewer <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245588.php" title="How many calories should I eat a day?">calories </a>during the day.

says that sleep patterns affect the hormones responsible for appetite.

When a person does not sleep long enough, it can interfere with their body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly.

Getting a sufficient amount of sleep can boost a person’s athletic performance.

According to the <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.sleep.org/articles/how-sleep-affects-athletes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">National Sleep Foundation </a>, adequate sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours a night, and athletes may benefit from as many as 10 hours. Accordingly, sleep is as important to athletes as consuming enough calories and nutrients.

One of the reasons for this requirement is that the body heals during sleep. Other benefits include:

<ul><li>better performance intensity </li><li>more energy </li><li>better coordination </li><li>faster speed </li><li>better mental functioning </li> </ul>

There is a link between getting adequate sleep and reducing <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php" title="Everything you need to know about inflammation">inflammation </a>in the body.

For example, a study in the<hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" source="PubMed Central"><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3882397/" rel="noopener noreferrer">World Journal of Gastroenterology </a> </hl-trusted-source>

suggests a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases that affect people’s gastrointestinal tract.

The study showed that sleep deprivation can contribute to these diseases — and that these diseases, in turn, can contribute to sleep deprivation.

Sleep helps the body repair, regenerate, and recover. The immune system is no exception to this relationship. Some research shows how better sleep quality can help the body fight off infection.

However, scientists still need to do further research into the exact mechanisms of sleep in regards to its impact on the body’s immune system.

Spending more time outside can improve sleep quality.

Sleep needs vary from person to person, depending on their age. As a person ages, they typically require less sleep to function properly.

According to the <hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Governmental authority" source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)"><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">CDC </a> </hl-trusted-source>

<ul><li>Newborns (0–3 months): 14–17 hours </li><li>Infants (4–12 months): 12–16 hours </li><li>Toddler (1–2 years): 11–14 hours </li><li>Preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours </li><li>School age (6–12 years): 9–12 hours </li><li>Teen (13–18 years): 8–10 hours </li><li>Adult (18–60 years): 7-plus hours </li><li>Adult (61–64 years): 7–9 hours </li><li>Adult (65+ years): 7–8 hours </li> </ul>

As well as the number of hours, the quality of sleep is also important. Signs of poor sleep quality include:

<ul><li>Waking in the middle of the night. </li><li>Still not feeling rested after an adequate number of hours sleep. </li> </ul>

Some things a person can do to improve sleep quality are:

<ul><li>Avoiding sleeping in when you have had enough sleep. </li><li>Going to bed around the same time each night. </li><li>Spending more time outside and being more active during the day. </li><li>Reducing <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145855.php" title="Why stress happens and how to manage it">stress </a>through exercise, therapy, or other means. </li> </ul>

Sleep is a vital, often neglected, component of every person’s overall health and well-being. Sleep is important because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day.

Getting adequate rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration.

Why is sleep important? 9 reasons for getting a good night's rest

Boosts our productivity

Weight gain

Intelligence

Athletic performance

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