SLEEP

Sleep is a state of natural muscle relaxation and periodic suspension of consciousness (reduced interactions with surroundings). 

Sleep is good but can also be greatly abused. Can we sleep too much, too little, and how important is sleep.

Sleeping at the right time and in the right proportion is good for the health of everybody.

IMPORTANT

Sleep is a good thing. One possible explanation for our need for sleep is that sleep reminds us that we are creatures, not the Creator. Our physical bodies must be constantly replenished with food, water, oxygen, and  sleep in order to continue functioning. We know that sleeping is part of being a healthy person. 

Sleep is a basic human need and essential for good health, boosts memory, aids body system against infections, replenishes the body, and improves immune function. 

It is also essential for good quality of life and performing well during the day (better productivity and concentration).

Sometimes, too much of sleep, however, is bad.

SLEEP HEALTH

Sleep health is a phenomenon that captures the nature of sleep in humans, the associated disorders and remedies. In this context, it is important to have the knowledge of how much or how well we sleep and deal with any lifestyle habits that run contrary to proper sleeping habits.

STAGES AND SPECTRUM OF SLEEP

Sleep can be in stages. 

It starts from slumbering or dozing.

Deep sleep

Sleep of death or coma

Death

 Physically, the amount of sleep you need varies significantly over the course of lifetime. It depends on the age and activity-level as well as the general health and lifestyle habits. 

However, on a sleep spectrum (scale), one can have lack/shortage of sleep, Moderate sleep or excessive sleep. 

If one does not sleep moderately, it could be as a result of a lifestyle habit or sleep disorder.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Sleep disorder varies. 'Insomnia' is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when a person has the chance to do so. Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual gets less sleep than they need to feel awake and alert. Ongoing lack of sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, emotional difficulties, poor job performance, obesity, risk of heart disease (stroke) and a lowered perception of quality of life.

Oversleeping is called hypersomnia or "long sleeping". People with hypersomnia might require as many as 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night to feel their best. But oversleeping has been linked to a host of medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and increased risk of death.

Sleep apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. It is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you might have sleep apnea.

Sleep paralysis occurs when your mind is conscious but you are unable to move your body especially when you are in the process of waking up.

Sleep-walking or talking loud while sleeping is another sleep challenge especially in adults

Anyone with sleep challenge should seek professional counsel and change his/her lifestyle habits.

CONCLUSION

Like in every other area of life, sleep should also be in moderation.