Benefits of sleeping well

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Getting a good night's sleep is about much more than simply resting. During sleep, the body carries out a wide range of essential processes that support the proper functioning of the brain and the rest of the body. Adequate sleep contributes to physical, emotional and cognitive health, while sleep deprivation can affect a wide range of biological functions. Some of the main benefits of getting a good night's sleep include:

Consolidates memory. During sleep, different types of memory are consolidated: declarative memory, particulay during deep dleep, and emotional memory.

Controls body temperature. It helps to lower the body temperature at night, which promotes rest and supports healthy metabolic function.

Regulates the immune and endocrine systems. It strengthens the body’s defences and maintains hormonal balance, promoting the production of hormones such as cortisol and growth hormone.

Encodes emotions and regulates temperamental and psychological stability. The REM phase, in particular, helps to process emotions and reduce emotional reactivity.

Getting a good night’s sleep promotes plasticity of the cerebral cortex, that is, its ability to adapt and learn. Sleep also promotes the formation of new connections between neurons (synapses) and activates brain-clearance mechanisms, such as the glymphatic system, which removes waste products, including amyloid protein, which can accumulate in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, sleep helps replenish cellular receptors throughout the body, which is essential for cells to function properly.