Sometimes, the pace of modern life barely gives you time to stop and rest. It can make getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis seem like a dream. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood, and health.
People often think that sleep is just downtime when a tired brain gets to rest, but that's wrong. For example, sleep helps prepare your brain to learn, remember, and create. Besides, certain repair processes occur in the body during sleep. If you don't get enough sleep, those processes are going to be disturbed (干扰).
One is that adults need less sleep as they get older. This isn't true. Older adults still need the same amount, but their sleep quality can get worse as they age. Another one is that you can catch up on your days off. However, researchers say that the weekend catch-up sleep doesn't always help.
Some people have conditions that prevent them from getting enough good quality sleep, no matter how hard they try. These problems are called sleep disorders. The most common sleep disorder is insomnia (失眠症). Insomnia happens when you have repeated difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, although you have the time to sleep and a proper sleep environment.
If you're having trouble sleeping, hearing how important it is may be discouraging. But don't worry too much. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help many people with insomnia get better sleep. Medicine can also help some people.
A. How much sleep you need changes with age. B. While you're sleeping, your brain is working. C. There are many misunderstandings about sleep. D. It can make you feel tired or unrested during the day. E. Treatments are available for many common sleep disorders. F. However, sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise. G. This reduces or stops airflow, which wakes people up during the night. |