During sleep, the brain is able to cleanse itself of beta-amyloid. Beta-amyloid helps with making long-term memories, however, the build-up of beta-amyloid can lead to communication trouble between neurons.
Helps solidify memories when neurons are given the chance to reform and restore through neurotransmitter turnover and functional reorganization
Improves the immune system, especially when you are sick or injured.
Helps improve learning capabilities through the consolidation of long-term memories.
Supports growth due to the high levels of the human growth hormone during sleep.
Regulates mood and emotions.
While there are other habits and behaviors that can provide the same benefits as sleep, such as exercise, diet, and drugs/medicine, their impact is nowhere as effective as sleep.
There is sleep debt and sleep deprivation. Sleep debt is often considered for more short-term sleep loss, like a few days to a week. Sleep deprivation is the chronic build up of sleep debt. The only way to pay off your sleep debt is to, you guessed it, sleep. That is why it is important to establish a complete routine and stay as consistent as possible.
When you do not get enough sleep, you are more likely to experience the following:
decreased cognitive function and academic performance
weaker immune system
slower recovery from injuries and illnesses
struggles with remembering and creating long-term memories
decision-making is impaired - a very similar effect of being drunk
daytime sleepiness that is known to lead to an increase in accidents and injuries
Extreme sleep deprivation can lead ultimately lead to death because there are vital mechanisms and functions that occur during sleep that keep the body functioning properly. Many of these processes cannot occur while awake, therefore getting enough sleep is crucial to keeping everything on track!
Makes them tougher by providing a faster recovery time and reducing psychological stress
Keeps them healthier by reloading your immune system. Proper sleep is also associated with lower rates of heart disease, brain cancer, strokes, Type II diabetes, and Alzheimer's.
Increase strength because the human growth hormone is released in higher quantities during sleep and sleep helps perfect muscle memory.
Keeps them happier because mood is the first thing sleep loss takes. Healthy sleep patterns can also help with mood and can be a long-term personality indicator for struggles, like anxiety and depression.
Makes them smarter by making memories become physical and cuts back on mistakes.
Keeps them faster because sleep deprivation makes you function like a drunk.
Increases their beauty - Beauty sleep is real and it works both ways. People that sleep more are more attractive and find others that get enough sleep more attractive. So get that beauty rest!