Sleep plays a critical role in our health and well-being throughout life. It helps protect our mental and physical health, the quality of our life, and our safety. While we’re asleep, our body works to support healthy brain function and our physical health. In children and teenagers, sleep also aids development and growth. It is also involved in the healing and repair of the heart and blood vessels in adults. In fact, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute links prolonged sleep deprivation to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Sleep deficiency also increases the risk of obesity.

Sleep Support Supplements

Our Needs for Sleep

Infants-Babies require about 16 hours of sleep per day.

Teenagers-Teenagers need 9 hours of sleep on average every day.

Adults-The optimal amount of sleep for adults is 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day.

Pregnant Women-Women in the first 3 months of pregnancy require more sleep during this time.

Sleep helps neurons, used throughout the day shut down for repair. It also gives the brain an opportunity to exercise neuronal connections that may go otherwise unused. In young adults, deep sleep is necessary for the release of growth hormones, while cell production and repair in general happens during this stage. Sleep is also necessary to maintain proper emotional and social functioning.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

• Weakened immune system
• Impaired memory
• Loss of concentration
• Prolonged deprivation can lead to hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Impaired physical performance
• Depression
• Increase in blood pressure
• Excess weight
• Lack of reflexes
• Increase in diabetes
• Lack of hormone production
• Anxiety
• Cardiovascular disease