From better sex to thicker hair, why a good night’s sleep is worth celebrating
Ahead of World Sleep Day on March 17, Hong Kong experts explain how quality rest not only detoxifies and clears the brain to help us solve problems, but also helps reduce risk of heart attack
A good night’s sleep is important, but why? Here’s what happens while we sleep – and what can happen if we don’t get enough rest.
While we are asleep, the body’s immune system produces cells and proteins which protect us against infection and illness, says psychologist Esther Yuet Ying Lau. In addition, the body secretes human growth hormone (HGH), which helps it maintain and repair skin, muscle and bones. HGH is particularly important for growth in adolescents.
“Research shows that [cell production] doubles during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep,” says Lisa Griffiths, a homeopath at The Round Clinic in Hong Kong. “Without sleep, our central nervous system rapidly loses the ability to maintain healthy function and our bones and muscles do not get the necessary growth hormone to repair and rejuvenate.”
Detoxification also takes place during sleep. Cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, moves through the brain, clearing it of the by-products of substances processed by the body – while waves of electrical activity in the gut sweep waste out of the digestive system.