While some people consider sleep a waste of time, it has been proven to play a crucial role in our health and well-being . Tone, vitality, memory and learning abilities, immunity,d the overall metabolism of our body… The impact of sleep on our health is multifactorial and very real. So, we dedicate this article to all those who prefer to live at night. Taking care of your sleep is taking care of your health .
What is sleep?
Sleep is scientifically defined as a decrease in the level of consciousness that separates two periods of wakefulness. In this state, our body experiences a decrease in alertness and muscle tone while maintaining a certain level of sensory perception. Sleep is schematically organized into repetitive cycles throughout the night, each cycle being composed of different distinct sleep phases :
- Phase 1  – Sleep onset phase: Marking the beginning of sleep , it allows the transition between wakefulness and sleep . The body gradually relaxes, and brain activity slows down. It generally lasts a few minutes.
- Stage 2  – Light Sleep: During this more predominant stage, eye movements slow down, and frequent awakenings may occur. Light sleep plays an essential role in consolidating memory and maintaining emotional balance.
- Stage 3  – Slow Wave Sleep (SWS): Also known as deep sleep or slow wave sleep, this is essentially a physical recovery phase, with the release of growth hormones and tissue repair.
- Stage 4  – Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep: This is the stage during which the most intense dreams occur. Despite high brain activity, the body’s muscles relax. Learning, memory, and emotional regulation are enhanced.
During the night, our sleep is organized into a succession of 3 to 6 cycles of 60 to 120 minutes each. And each sleep cycle consists of alternating deep sleep and REM sleep , which plays a crucial role in our body’s well-being .
Sleep, the pillar of our well-being
In Maslow’s pyramid, sleep is listed as a basic need, at the foundation level of the building. And for good reason! In fact, sleep governs a large number of our physiological mechanisms and, without it, our bodies would not hold up.
Vitality and energy
It is mainly through sleep that our body finds true rest and replenishes its energy stores . When we sleep, our body can implement repair mechanisms to compensate for the damage accumulated during the waking period. Nerve connections or neural connections are reorganized and optimized, and the brain regenerates. Our nerve cells, as well as our muscles, replenish their energy resources. And when we wake up, we feel energized to face the day! On the other hand, chronic lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, and aa rop in tone and vitality.
Effectiveness of the immune system
Sleep helps maintain and keep our immune system functioning properly. When we sleep,o ur body produces cytokines, proteins that are essential for the effectiveness of our immune defenses against infections and other inflammations. Insufficient or poor quality sleep weakens our immune system,m  increasing our vulnerability to infectious diseases.
Cognitive function
We’ve all experienced it: when we don’t get enough sleep, it’s harder to stay focused during the day. Because sleep allows the brain to regenerate, it is closely linked to cognitive function, nincludingattention, concentration, and decision-making.
Memorization and Learning
Who has never learned their lessons in the evening before going to bed? Indeed, this can be a good learning strategy,a becauseleep facilitates memorization . During the REM sleep phase , the brain processes information acquired throughout the day, strengthening neural connections, and thus promoting the memorization of knowledge.
Mental health
Good sleep helps regulate emotions and improves overall mental health. Lack of sleep can make us grumpy and, in the long run, increase our risk of developing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression . Quality sleep contributes to good emotional stability and psychological well-being.
Metabolism and body weight
During sleep, hormonal secretions take place, such as insulin and growth hormone. Insufficient sleep is associated with hormonal changes that disrupt our metabolism. Increased appetite, decreased feeling of satiety, leading to overeating… It’s proven that a lack of sleep promotes weight gain.
Impact of lack of sleep on the skin
Unlike our muscles, which rest at night, the skin becomes hyperactive and activates its regeneration mechanisms. Its cellular renewal and microcirculation are increased, while its pores open to better promote its exchanges with the outside world and oxygenation. A lack of sleep therefore impacts the well-being and beauty of the skin .
