Restful sleep is one of the foundations for good health. We need sleep to rejuvenate our bodies as well as our minds. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates tissues, builds bone and muscle, and appears to strengthen the immune system. Sleep also plays a role in memory and learning.
Not sleeping well not only affects our quality of life but may also increase mortality and is associated with a number of serious medical issues including high blood pressure, obesity, heart attack, stroke, and mood disorders. If you have chronic insomnia (lasting more than one month), it may be important to be seen by a healthcare practitioner.