Why a proper sleep schedule is important

Sleep is the most important part of our lives, and although ancient philosophers called it “a little death”, modern research shows that this is not true at all. The human brain remains active even during the night, continuing to work in its special “night mode”. Scientific research conducted in 1953 at the University of Chicago confirmed that during sleep the body rests, but the brain actively performs its work, supporting the vital functions of the body.

Sleep is divided into several stages, each of which plays a different role in the body's recovery. The first stage is the process of falling asleep, when a person is not yet in deep sleep, but is already beginning to relax. At this stage, if the person is awakened, he or she will claim that he or she was not asleep, but just “thinking”. This stage is transitional and short-lived.

The next stage is deep sleep, which makes up the bulk of the night's rest. This stage of sleep is considered crucial to the body's recovery, as it is during this time that tissue repair, immune system strengthening and cell synthesis take place. Also at night, substances and vitamins such as A and H are accumulated, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and normalizing metabolic processes.

The fourth stage of sleep, known as “REM sleep” or paradoxical sleep, plays a special role. During this stage, we dream and also process all the information accumulated during the day. Dreaming helps the body cope with stress and emotional strain, and also helps to build long-term memory. At this stage, it is important to note that the brightness of dreams and the predominance of certain colors can indicate the emotional state of a person.

Not only physical, but also psychological health depends on the correctness of sleep. For example, lack of sleep can lead to a decrease in immune function, impaired hormone production, as well as nervous exhaustion. Reducing sleep duration to 5-5.5 hours over several days can cause the same consequences as one sleepless night. This confirms the importance of getting a good night's rest.

How much sleep is needed? It all depends on the individual needs of the body. For example, men, according to Winston Churchill, should sleep at least six hours, while women need more time for normal well-being. It is important to remember that everyone should sleep as much as they need to feel rested and alert. Sleep that is undisturbed and lasts the right amount of time promotes recovery and health.

However, many people experience sleep disturbances. The causes can be both physiological (such as snoring or apnea) and psychological factors. To eliminate disorders, it is recommended to approach the problem comprehensively. One of the effective ways is to create optimal conditions for sleep: airing the room, observing the regime and avoiding excessive activity before bedtime. Special rituals can also be useful, such as light evening exercises, warm baths or listening to soothing music.

Ideally, normal sleep should not be intermittent and should include all the stages necessary for proper rest and recovery.