Sleep is undoubtedly one of the physiology’s most mysterious but essential functions. We all need it, yet the exact reasons why it’s so important are still being debated. What we do know is that sleep is important for memory consolidation; it also seems to afford the brain time to clear out toxins that built up throughout the day. A lack of sleep has a two-way relationship with psychiatric conditions: sleep disturbance can be caused by mental illness, and sleep deprivation can exacerbate, or even cause, mental illnesses.
Physically, sleep allows the body to recuperate; for instance, muscles are given time to heal and grow. Sleep deprivation is considered to be a large-scale concern in the United States. Due to a range of factors — including excessive screen time, artificial lighting, busy lives, and hectic jobs — around 1 in 3 people in the U.S. do not get the recommended 7 hours of…
