“A natural cycle of rest and wakefulness dictates all sorts of biological functions,” says Michael Twery, PhD, director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research in Bethesda, MD. Sleep loss is associated with…” (the following health problems):
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Obesity
• Depression
• Infections
• Accidents
*Source: (http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/prescription-sleep-more-better)

Wikipedia® defines sleep as “the state of natural rest…a protective mechanism… and also necessary for health and survival.” Why? Because sleep drops your conscious mind into a deep state of relaxation and rest, as your biochemical mechanisms are busily, yet quietly functioning inside of you. They work while you rest and sleep. This biochemical functionality of the body is not at rest, but it is quite vital.

Why? What is going on while you sleep?

1) Repair of damaged cells, tissues and organs. When the timing is right, cells undergo a normal, natural process of cell death called apoptosis. As a matter of necessary housekeeping, the body systematically removes unwanted, mal-functioning or abnormal cells and excretes them. This is vital in keeping your other cells healthy.

2) Substances such as bio-chemicals, blood products and bone marrow are manufactured while you asleep. When the body slows during rest, it replenishes these necessary bio-components.

3) The unconscious mind processes the day’s events. This is an important function if you want to have good mental health and be able to handle stress well. Lack of good quality sleep is an attributing factor to depression and some forms of mental illness. And let’s not for dreaming, which is the mechanism that allows the unconscious mind to play! Non-dreamers are cheated of this delightful luxury. Medicine declares dreaming to be an important brain function.

4) While you rest, the body renews its energy stores. People living with compromised health, unresolved traumas, and extreme tension rarely wake up feeling rested. People who don’t sleep well build larger and larger sleep deficits. If sleep cannot be restored, the body will continue to go downhill. Know that good quality sleep is vital if you’re going to achieve a total health recovery.

And finally, people who suffer with life-altering illness or who experience a major traumatic incident instinctively know that they need sleep. Their bodies demand the rest that is so vital for the healing process to begin. Example: the extreme exhaustion of people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and the extreme pain that Fibromyalgia people feel are two “wake up” reasons to get the best quality and right quantity of sleep that you can. Make plans now for a heavenly, restful, sleep experience tonight.

Written by: Cinda Crawford, http://www.healthmattersshow.com, Butyoudontlooksick.com, © 2008