“It affects growth and stress hormones Molecules sent through the bloodstream to signal another part of the body to grow or react a certain way., our immune system The system that protects your body from invading viruses, bacteria and other microscopic threats., appetite, breathing, blood pressure and cardiovascular The system of heart and vessels that circulates blood through the body.

“Sleep affects almost every tissue in our bodies,” says Dr. A sleep deficit over time can even put you at greater risk for developing depression.īut sleep isn’t just essential for the brain. Lack of sleep also influences your mood, which can affect how you interact with others. They’re at a much higher risk for traffic accidents. Tired people tend to be less productive at work. “Loss of sleep impairs your higher levels of reasoning, problem-solving and attention to detail,” Mitler explains. “The fact is, when we look at well-rested people, they’re operating at a different level than people trying to get by on 1 or 2 hours less nightly sleep,” says Mitler. Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes and focus better. When you’re tired, you can’t function at your best. Merrill Mitler, a sleep expert and neuroscientist at NIH. “Sleep services all aspects of our body in one way or another: molecular, energy balance, as well as intellectual function, alertness and mood,” says Dr. Internal organs and processes are hard at work throughout the night. But while you’re sleeping, your brain and body don’t just shut down. Of course, sleep helps you feel rested each day. But sleep affects both mental and physical health. To fit everything in, we often sacrifice sleep. We have so many demands on our time-jobs, family, errands-not to mention finding some time to relax.

Man lives under bed for 3 weeks