Getting adequate sleep, on a comfortable mattress, plays an vital role in your overall mental and physical health. For instance, during sleep our bodies are in conservation mode, as they emit a sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin, to aid the cell and muscle repair process. Sleep is also essential for regulation of hormones, memory muscle repair, amalgamation of memories, and for regulating tissue and muscle growth.

The average sleep cycle is roughly 90 minutes in length. During this time, sleep stages 1 to 4 consist of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, in which breathing and heart rate decrease, and brain activities decrease, and the majority of repair occurs. During the 5th and final stage of sleep, rapid eye movement (or REM) sleep occurs and dreaming occurs as the brain and body experience energizing effects. Here’s an indepth look at what occurs during sleep:

1. Sleep strengthens immunity
Research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that sleep and the immune system go hand in hand. For instance, those not getting adequate quality sleep are not only more prone to sickness (i.e., cold viruses, eczema, and psoriasis), but also likely to remain sick much longer. This is because during sleep, the immune system releases cytokines, a type of protein known as cytokines, which fight stress-induced inflammation and infection or inflammation.

2. Sleep aids weight loss
Lack of sleep can also quickly lead to excess weight gain. For instance, sleep researchers at University of Chicago’s Metabolism and Health Center found that individuals suffering from lack of sleep, have heightened levels of leptin and ghrelin, appetite hormones that produce appetite satiety and prevent the urge to binge eat. Too little sleep also increases levels of stress, or cortisol, which effect metabolism and fat storage.

3. Skin complexion
It’s called “beauty sleep” for good reason. The better you sleep; the brighter and firmer your natural complexion will be. For instance, in sleep collagen production is triggered so that collagen fibers rejuvenate to rejuvenate fresh skin cells. However, those who miss sleep see the consequences directly on their skin’s surface—in broken capillaries, fine lines, puffy eyes, and
dark circles.

4. Mental and mood impacts
Long term sleeplessness, or insomnia, also has deep effects on our mood and cognitive performance. This is why after a few late nights, you’ll find you suffer from:

• Lack of focus
• Decision making and problem-solving
• Irritable mood or depression
• Increased anxiety
• Fatigue, or lack of physical or mental energy
• Daytime sleepiness, which can lead to mistakes and accidents

5. Ensuring a good night’s sleep
See, a quality sleep schedule will not only improve your mental and physical wellbeing, it will also make you live a happier, longer life. To safeguard your sleep:

• Establish a regular bedtime routine.
• Get regular exercise.
• Consume a health, protein-rich diet.
• Go to bed at the same time nightly.
• Invest in a comfortable mattress.
• Take a warm bath or shower prior to bedtime.