Sleep is a state of reduced mental and physical activity in which consciousness is altered and certain sensory activity is inhibited. During sleep, there is a marked decrease in muscle activity and interactions with the surrounding environment.
Everyone needs sleep, but about one in three American adults don’t get enough of it. The consequences of sleep deprivation are serious, so it’s worth learning why sleep matters, how it works, and how to give yourself the best chances of getting a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is a body process that allows your body to rest, repair and restore itself. You need sleep to function properly. Lack of sleep has links to many health issues.
Quality sleep means you are getting uninterrupted and refreshing sleep. Getting quality sleep is not just about how many hours you sleep, but how well you sleep.
Sleep is a complex and dynamic process that affects how you function in ways scientists are now beginning to understand. This webpage describes how your need for sleep is regulated and what happens in the brain during sleep.
What exactly does sleep do for your body and mind? Here’s what researchers know about the science of sleep—including the stages of sleep, your biological clock, health connections and more.
Sleep affects nearly every part of your health, from brain function to immune strength. Learn what happens in each phase of sleep, how to manage common disruptions, and simple ways to improve sleep hygiene.
What happens during sleep - and how to improve it - Harvard Health