Why Sleep is Important

Without sleep, life is tough. Concentration is poor, attention is compromised, and our ability for logical judgment is off. While we are asleep, our body restores depleted energy. Similarly, our brain rejuvenates. Glycogen, a complex sugar and energy reserve, is built up. Our overall metabolism is reduced, allowing for the removal of metabolic by-products from cells. Certain hormones are preferentially released during sleep, especially those that promote growth, repair, and replacement of cellular elements. Growth hormone is released. A healthy immune system appears to be dependent, at least in part, on sleep.

There is incredible science around sleep: its phases, timing, and quality. It is universally accepted that poor sleep is not good—at every level of both physical and mental health.

The first order of business is routine, routine, routine. It is very difficult to sustain a healthy sleep pattern in chaos. Set a schedule and stick to it.
Keep a sleep diary: Every morning, record the approximate number of hours you slept.

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