Sleep
why it matters
How much do we need?
Humans need less sleep as they age
infants:13-14
adolescents: 8-10
adults;7.5-8.5
Why do we sleep?
Physical
Sleeping promotes muscle growth, tissue repair, builds proteins, allows children to grow.
Mental
Sleeping helps us feel more energetic, happier, allows better cognitive function of the brain.
Sleep Hormone
Sleep is caused by the hormone melatonin.
Sleeping Disorders
Oversleeping: anxiety, weight gain, lack of energy. (hypersomnia)
Sleep Deprivation: reduced alertness, memory impairment, occupational hazard, increased chance of automobile injury, health risks such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpM50ONSQok
watch this story about sleep deprivation