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Researchers do not know exactly why humans need sleep, but they do know that it is an essential part of life. Missing even a few hours of sleep can affect your emotional well being. Studies in rats have shown that sleep deprivation can actually kill. Rats normally live two or three years, but when they were completely deprived of sleep they only lived for up to five weeks, their immune system weakened, their body temperature changed, and they developed sores. Humans who experience lack of sleep commonly report symptoms such as being delusional and hallucinations.

Sleep is important for many factors in our lives. It improves concentration, memory formation, and helps the body repair itself. Sleep deprivation and concentration have been shown to have an especially close connection. People who do not get enough, or any, sleep have a hard time forming memories and concentrating on tasks at hand. Researchers believe this is because when the body sleeps, neurons shut down and repair damage that was done throughout the day. If the body does not have this time to repair itself, it cannot function as it should. Lack of sleep can also cause humans to be more at risk for obesity, diseases, infections, and even diabetes. People who get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night will not only reap the health benefits, but they will look better too-there is a reason it is called beauty sleep! Sleep rejuvenates your skin, and also regulates your weight.

In order to get a restful night’s sleep try to avoid any distractions before you go to bed. Instead of watching tv right before you sleep, try having a hot shower, or a cup of tea and unwinding. Also, sleeping in a very dark quiet room will ensure your sleep is a restful one. If you have trouble sleeping, astronutrition has a variety of sleep aid products that can help.