Sleep and Health
Sleep is not just rest — it’s a foundation of good health. From immunity and heart health to mental wellbeing and weight management, sleep impacts nearly every system in your body. Below you’ll find key areas where sleep plays a major role.
🛡 Sleep and the Immune System
During deep sleep, your body releases proteins called cytokines that help fight infections and reduce inflammation. Too little sleep weakens your immune defense, making you more likely to get colds and infections.
❤️ Sleep and Heart Health
Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Sleep helps regulate stress hormones and gives your cardiovascular system time to rest. People who consistently get less than 6 hours have higher risks of heart problems.
⚖️ Sleep and Weight
Short sleep disrupts hormones like ghrelin (hunger) and leptin (satiety). This imbalance increases appetite, cravings for high-calorie foods, and the risk of obesity. Getting 7–8 hours helps regulate metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
🧠 Sleep and Mental Health
Sleep is essential for emotional stability. Lack of sleep increases risk of anxiety, depression, and mood swings. REM sleep in particular supports stress regulation and memory processing, which helps protect your mental wellbeing.
📝 Sleep and Cognitive Performance
During sleep, especially REM, your brain consolidates learning and strengthens memory. Sleep deprivation impairs focus, decision-making, and creativity. Even one night of poor sleep can reduce attention and reaction times.
💤 Oversleeping and Health Risks
While most people don’t get enough sleep, oversleeping regularly (9+ hours) has been linked with health risks such as depression, chronic illness, and higher mortality. If you feel tired despite long sleep, it could signal an underlying condition.