Passivity and sleep
Sleep is frequently considered to be a passive phenomenon,
something we do because it's the end of the day, we are perhaps tired and we
need to rest and build up our energies once again to prepare for the next day. It’s falsely presumed that as the light is switched off at night, so also is the mind and all its
functioning ability. Rightfully so, all of the above are true to a certain extent, and
sleep replenishes zest and enthusiasm to live yet another day and accomplish
ones daily goals. However, there is more to sleeping and the dynamics of sleep ought to be better understood
by every person who has ever slept and continues to do so everyday. That makes
each and everyone of us. Ignorance is bliss but knowledge is truly an eye opener.
Open your eyes to sleep right…
We don't sleep because we desire passivity. Sleep is one of
the most active processes the body endures. While in wakefulness, the human
mind seems to think, plan, execute and appraise; there are several processes
that are vigorous during sleep. Memory processing and conversion of short-term
to long-term remembrance mandates a good night’s sleep. The hippocampus is an
area of the brain that is responsible for memory storage. When one sleeps
soundly, the neurons in the brain do not have external information bombarding
in continuously and disrupting the memory connects. People who sleep better
have better neurochemical release in their hippocampus with greater neuronal
connections; thus they decrease their own chances of developing Alzheimer’s
disease.
Sleep enables growth
Children who sleep soundly through the night have larger
brain mass and highly differentiated (better developed) neurons. Just like the rationale
for better memory connections; a similar neuronal continuity in the formative
years assures better intellectual development in children. While newborns and
early infants don't have much physical activity, they have tremendous hard work
going on inside their brain. In effect children sleep an awful much but they’re
not being lazy; they simply are emboldening their intellect for a brighter
future. Children who don't sleep have higher chances of ADHD, behavior troubles
and temper tantrums. This process is called the ontogenetic (pertaining to
development) hypothesis of sleep.
Sleep prevents common cold and allergies
The white blood cells in the body are soldiers that build on
its immune system. Sleep deprivation damages these cells thereby inhibiting
immune function. Those who sleep more have higher white blood cell counts,
better immunity and are equipped to combat allergies and colds. Lack of sleep
is also associated with skin rashes, longer wound healing, increased appetite
and weight disturbances and even predisposition to cancer. Inadequate sleep is
an incessant drain of the body’s resistance and fighting abilities. All other
efforts to care for the body are redundant in the absence of wholesome sleep.
Sleep is preservative
The brain disengages itself from the wakeful
responsibilities and opts for its ‘night duty’ while it sleeps. There are
enough obligations for the slumbering as well as vigilant mind. Some aquatic
mammals sleep while moving (not the same as human beings who sleep while
driving cars!), they still perform different activities in both the mind states.
Sleep conserves energy, replenishes neurotransmitters, enhances certain
hormonal activities and augments vigilance. There is a lot we get in return for
sleeping sufficiently. We’d rather make the prudent choice for a better and
healthier tomorrow…
Very informative - thank you
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