Importance of adequate sleep
STUDIES have shown that humans must sleep and, in fact, most people can survive longer without food than without sleep. We tend to think of sleep as a time when the mind and body shuts down.
But this is not the case; sleep is an active period in which a lot of important processing, restoration and strengthening occurs.
For decades scientists have done extensive research to understand some of sleep's critical functions, and the reasons we need it for optimal health and well-being.
Our bodies require long periods of sleep in order to restore and rejuvenate, to grow muscles, repair tissue, and synthesise hormones.
One of the vital roles of sleep is to help us solidify and consolidate memories. As we go about our day, our brains take in an incredible amount of information.
Researchers have also shown that after people sleep, they tend to retain information and perform better on memory tasks.
this is likely part of the reason why children – who acquire language, social and motor skills at a breath-taking pace throughout their development – need more sleep than adults.
Sleep duration
While adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night, one-year-olds need roughly 11 to 14 hours, schoolchildren between nine and 11 hours, and teenagers between eight and 10 hours.
during these critical periods of growth and learning, younger people need a heavy dose of slumber for optimal development and alertness.
Sleep is a time for serious rest. the body’s metabolic rate, energy consumption as well as cardiovascular system slows down to allow for the recovery and release of growth hormones as the body restores and regenerates tissues, cells and muscles.
Researchers have found that people with normal or high blood pressure experience a reduction in blood pressure and reduction in heart rate during sleep.
What is the function of sleep? there is no single purpose. the body does many things during sleep and the power of a good night’s sleep, therefore, should never be underestimated, and having said that, what better way to ensure a good night’s sleep other than with the right kind of mattress?
After all, the right mattress can truly make all the difference between waking up rejuvenated and fatigued.
We spend one-third of our lives sleeping on a mattress, hence it is vital to choose a good mattress that supports our body. Getha mattresses are designed with your utmost comfort and support in mind.
Specialising in 100% natural latex since 1969, Getha has an extensive line-up of metal-free mattresses and bedding products suitable for all ages from infant to the elderly.
■ For more information visit www.getha.com.my or drop by one of 15 Getha Sleep therapy Centres nationwide for a consultation customised to your needs.