Sleep is one thing that many of us do not get enough of. Researchers have proven time and time again that it is so essential to our overall health and well-being. By not meeting sleep requirements we are putting ourselves in danger of serious consequences. Short-term consequences include the inability to focus, bad mood, and higher calorie intake. Although in the short-term it doesn’t seem too dangerous, not getting enough sleep on a regular basis can lead to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and shorter life expectancy, according to Harvard Medical School. So what happens while we sleep that makes it so valuable? Researchers have found that sleep is a period where our brain is active in releasing toxins from the brain and processing the events of that day. During sleep, our brains cycle through REM sleep and non-REM sleep. The first of which is non-REM, where our bodies fall asleep and engage in light sleep, where our breathing is regulated, and body temperature falls. We then enter deep sleep that leads to REM sleep. During the REM stage, our brains are very active; this is the only stage of sleep where we can dream. During a night of sleep, it is suggested we cycle through these stages of sleep four to five times. Disruption in our sleep cycles can lead to our bodies not repairing properly. Some of us are unaware of sleep conditions that affect our quality of sleep, such as, sleep apnea. If you or loved one are having issues getting a good night’s sleep call us today to learn how we can help.