Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature's best effort yet at immortality, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. Here are three big reasons why sleep is so powerful:
- Sleep is essential for memory consolidation. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation. When we sleep, our brains go through a process of consolidating memories, which means strengthening and storing them so that we can access them later. Without enough sleep, we are not able to consolidate memories effectively, which can lead to problems with learning and remembering information.
- Sleep is important for immune function. While we sleep, our bodies produce immune cells and proteins that help to fight off infection. When we don't get enough sleep, our immune system is weakened, which makes us more susceptible to illness.
- Sleep is essential for mood regulation. When we don't get enough sleep, we are more likely to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. Sleep helps to regulate our emotions by clearing out toxins from the brain and promoting the production of mood-boosting neurotransmitters.
Click below to watch Dr. Walker's TED Talk on sleep and be sure to catch your Zzz's!