A good night's sleep is very important for everyone, as it helps the brain to function better. In newborns and small children, sleep is important because it plays a vital role in their development. Sufficient sleep works as a remedy for sick people and also increases memory retention.

With our busy schedule and stressed lifestyle, sleep has taken a back seat in our lives. Sleeping is an important activity, and if you get the right amount, it can work wonders for your mind and body. When a person is sleeping, his brain is working to maintain healthy brain function.

We often tend to overlook the number of hours of sleep needed, and this is when we begin to develop several health problems. It is important to get about 6 to 8 hours of sleep everyday. Remember, that the effect of sleeping too much is similar to the effect of lack of sleep.

Sleep helps body recuperate from several diseases and other health problems. The insistence on rest when you suffer from even a minor headache is not without a reason.

It is only while you are asleep that your body gets a chance to repair its damaged cells and strengthen the immune system. This, thereby, prevents the onset of other health problems. Also, sleeping well can help you deal better with the physical and mental stress that your body and mind are subjected to on a daily basis.

Studies show that those who sleep well and for the required number of hours have better memory function than those who don't get the required hours of sleep.

As memory is affected by the sleep pattern, so is learning. Proper sleep makes the body and mind alert, and ready to receive and learn new information.

Several students burn the midnight oil to prepare for an upcoming exam, or just to finish an assignment. However, it should be noted that learning and memory function work better when you sleep adequately.

You may have noticed how your mood is affected on the day after a bad night's sleep. You are irritable and distracted only because you're sleepy throughout the day. It is bound to end in a bad way.

On the other hand, notice your mood on a day when you have had the necessary amount of sleep. You are perky, ready to face the day, and generally in a good mood. This is the impact of sleep on your mood.

If you are wondering why you're still putting on weight after adhering to a strict diet, it may be because you're probably not sleeping enough.

Sleep affects the metabolism of the body, thereby resulting in irregular weight gain pattern.

The lack of sleep causes the body to preserve carbohydrates and fats in an attempt to use them to deal with the prolonged physical and mental stress on the body. Due to this your metabolism is affected, and you may develop a tendency to put on weight. Sleep deprivation also leads to hormonal changes that may affect your appetite.

An irregular sleeping pattern can lead to the development of sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Characterized mainly by the lack of sleep, these can result in increased hypertension, the risk of stroke and heart diseases, and a lack of ability to deal with stressful situations. Thus, the only way to prevent a sleep disorder, is to get good sleep.

Since proper sleep is known to make the body and mind alert, it helps in preventing a lot of mishaps and accidents that may occur due to a lack of sleep. Lack of sleep causes a person to be sleepy throughout the day which may lead to injuries, if the person is performing heavy duty work.

Never underestimate the importance of sleep and rest. Nothing is more important than your health and well-being. Give up those late nights and adhere to a healthy sleeping pattern, and see the positive impact it has on your life!