Importance of sleep for your health

Did you know that we sleep for about 26 years in our lifetime?

Despite what we might think, sleep is an active phenomenon for the human body. Indeed, research has shown that most of the metabolic work necessary to repair the body takes place when we sleep.

Stage of Sleep

Sleep – Phase 1
Light Sleep – Phase 2
Deep Sleep – Phase 3 and 4

The first relates to the induction of sleep, the second marks the beginning of sleep. Phases 3 and 4 are characterized by long and regular brain waves; this is deep sleep. The last phase is associated with fast eye movements and corresponds to the period when dreams occur. It is during deep sleep (stages 3 and 4) that the body releases growth hormone. This promotes growth in youth as well as regeneration and tissue repair in adults. The body therefore can repair and regenerate tissue, build bones and muscles and strengthen the immune system.

Each cycle last around 90 minutes. The sleep cycle repeats itself in the same manner over many hours, such that we go through most sleep phases several times during one night.

A small boost for the body

In order to strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, and to regenerate the organs and skin, the body has to go through a process of protein synthesis, which takes place precisely during the deep sleep phase. Unfortunately, protein synthesis becomes less efficient with aging and the regeneration process slows down. Hydrolyzed collagen proves to be an excellent nutritional supplement for the body, as it supplies it with the sequences of amino acids that support the regeneration and synthesis of new proteins during sleep. Certainly, sleep represents the basis of regeneration and it is essential to our health.

Sleep better means better recovery. Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to have a good and restful night.

Here are some tips to help you sleep

Go to bed at the same time every night.

Reduce your daily caffeine intake and avoid any form of caffeine a few hours before bedtime.

Keep the room temperature around 18-20 degres. Not too hot or too cold.

Avoid all type of screens before bedtime and keep your room as dark as possible.

In conclusion, adults should sleep 7 to 8 hours a night. Sleep allows our body to maintain its vital functions. Lack of sleep can directly affect cognitive function, stress levels and mood. In addition, lack of sleep is associated with an increased risk of obesity and depression, but also of developing health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.