The need for sleep is not limited to humans. All animals appear to sleep to some degree, even those that depend on wakefulness for survival.

The most widely accepted theory as to why we sleep was proposed by Francis Crick (the Nobel Prize winning scientist who, with James Watson, also discovered the structure of DNA). Crick suggested that sleep allows the brain to deprogram the various events that are not required for long-term memory.

Sleep also appears to allow the body to repair and replenish itself. Many physiological processes occur while we are asleep, such as muscle growth, but no one yet understands why these processes cannot occur while we are awake.

What is Sleep?
Sleep is the cessation of consciousness. When we are asleep, we are not aware of sounds or of light. Our breathing and heartbeat slows down and we are, in a popular phrase, “dead to the world.”

Sleep is divided into two distinct phases which alternate throughout the night. These are referred to as REM and non-REM sleep. REM stands for “rapid eye movement” because, during this phase, the eyes move about quickly beneath the lids. During the REM phase of sleep, the breathing becomes irregular, the temperature of the brain rises, and dreams take place.

What Happens When We Are Deprived of Sleep?
Almost everyone needs a certain number of hours of sleep each day to function effectively. Our natural sleep patterns are controlled by an internal regulation system scientists call the “circadian clock.” This clock regulates body temperature, hormone levels, heart rate and other vital body functions.

If a person experiences chronic loss of sleep, these important functions soon become impaired. As a result, the person becomes grumpy and jittery, the immune system becomes suppressed, and overall health begins to suffer. Lack of sleep can cause vehicle accidents and mishaps with heavy machinery as the sleep-deprived person loses the ability to concentrate. Even a minimal loss of sleep will prevent most people from performing to their maximum potential, both physically and mentally. Chronic insomnia may eventually lead to severe depression.

When Sleeping is Difficult
Are you getting enough sleep? The figure cited as “ideal” is eight hours but not everyone gets or needs this amount of sleep.  Some people feel refreshed after six hours of sleep, while others require at least nine hours to feel ready for the day ahead.

The important question to ask yourself is: Do I wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy? If you don’t, it is safe to assume you are not getting the sleep you need. 

Many people have problems falling asleep. If you are experiencing insomnia, you may wish to try a nighttime sleep aid such as Sleep-eze D® coated tablets and gelcaps, available from London Drugs. These formulations contain a mild antihistamine to make you feel drowsy and help you drift off to sleep. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking  this product if you have asthma, chronic lung disease, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or if you are elderly, pregnant, nursing or taking other medications.

Tips For a Better Sleep

• Develop a bedtime ritual.
  Making bedtime a pleasant ritual helps reduce stress and encourages sleep. Try a warm bath, a cup of steamed milk or herbal tea, and reading a good book. Make these activities routine.
• Avoid daytime napping.
  Napping will not help you “catch up” on lost sleep. It will only add to the problem the following night.
• Don’t work at it.
  Trying too hard to sleep is an invitation to failure. Try instead to think of something pleasant like lying in the sunshine and listening to your favourite music.
• Stick to the same time.
  Choose a bedtime and make sure you retire at the same time every night.
• Exercise regularly.
  Exercise helps to release stress and will help you feel tired at bedtime. Don’t exercise in the few hours before bed as this may keep you awake.
• Watch your medications.
  Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can inhibit sleep. These include some thyroid and asthma medications. ASA and acetaminophen preparations that contain caffeine can also keep you awake.
• If you can’t sleep, get up.
  Don't lie awake trying to sleep for longer than 30 minutes. Instead, get up and do something quiet and non-stimulating like listening to peaceful music. When you feel tired again, go back to bed.
• Use your bedroom for sleep.
  Sitting in bed and doing a crossword puzzle or discussing finances with your spouse sends your mind and body conflicting cues. Reserve your bed for sleeping.
• Pretend it’s time to get up.
  Remember how sleepy you feel when your alarm goes off in the morning? How you’d give anything to sleep in a few minutes longer? Imagine that it’s time to get up and face the day and you may just drop right back to sleep.
• Bore yourself to sleep.
  As strange as it may seem, many people swear by this technique. Think about or read something you find extremely boring and don’t let your mind wander!