Sleep

IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP.

Sleep is often overlooked as an essential part of a healthy living. It plays an essential role in our physical and mental health. Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health.

Sleep is essential for repairing and regenerating cells in our body. When we sleep, the body goes into it's state of rest and repair. It makes room for the cell to heal and renew. When we sleep, the risk of developing chronic disease reduces. Sleep also helps in regulating the immune system, therefore helping to fight off diseases.

*STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP*

1. Building a regular sleep schedule.

2. Avoid taking caffeine and alcohol close to bed time.

3. Create a relaxing sleep environment.

4. Getting regular exercise during the day can improve sleep quality.

5. Getting some exposure to natural light during the day can help regulate your sleep cycle.

6. Creating a relaxing pre-bed routine such as taking a warm bath or reading a book.

7. Avoid eating large meals at night.

*We are going to emphasis on the negative effect of not getting enough sleep*

If u lack enough sleep, you are putting your health at risk.

_Lack of sleep weakens the immune system_

1. It leads to daytime fatigue and difficulty in concentrating.

2. It increases the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, etc.

3. Sleep deprivation can also lead to impaired memory and cognitive function. It can affect mood, leading to irritability, depression and anxiety.

4. It also leads to what is known as *'Microsleep'*. Micro sleep can happen without the knowledge of the person. It leads to situations likes falling asleep while driving.

5. It leads to *'sleep debt'.* Sleep debt refers to the idea that if you don't get enough sleep overtime, u accumulate a debt of loss sleep. It leads to a negative health effect like Increased stress, impaired immune function, increased inflammation.

'Inflammation is a normal part of the body immune process. It's actually an important process for fighting off infection and healing injuries.

Increased inflammation can lead to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation that persist for a long time can lead to negative health effect like tissue damage and even diseases like heart diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Sleep deprivation can increase levels of inflammatory molecules in the body, which leads to chronic inflammation.

*Factors that lead to chronic inflammation*

Eating diet that is highly processed, refined carbohydrates and sugar, can increase inflammation.

It is clear that sleep is an essential part of maintaining our health and well being. Getting enough sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health and it can even reduce the risk of developing chronic disease.