Why Sleep is the First Step in the Healing Process

“Sleep is part of your body’s innate ritual to go into recovery and cleaning mode.” – Abdullah Boulad

What we previously believed to be seven to eight hours of unconsciousness has proved to be much more profound. When we sleep, the most important things happen to us. It is a complex and intricate process responsible for many benefits in the brain and body. Boulad explains: “When our head hits the pillow, a cascade of gradual deep events take place. These events or processes collaborate like a team of specialists to give you all the benefits of deep sleep.”T here are a few key processes that happen at night.

1. Memory Consolidation

During the day, we accumulate vast amounts of information, but it’s during sleep that our brain sorts through these memories, decides what’s worth keeping, and integrates them into long-term storage. The hippocampus, a crucial brain region for memory, works to replay the day’s experiences and transfer them to the neocortex, where long-term memories are stored. This process is especially active during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, which is also when we experience the most vivid dreams.

2. Physical Recovery & Growth

Sleep is often called the body’s “repair time,” and for good reason. During the deeper stages of non-REM sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep (SWS), the body shifts its focus to healing and restoration. Growth hormone is released, stimulating tissue growth and muscle repair. This is why athletes and people recovering from injuries require more sleep.

3. Immune System Support

While we sleep, our immune system gets to work. The body produces cytokines, proteins that help fight infection, inflammation, and stress. Sleep deprivation can lead to a reduction in these protective proteins, making us more susceptible to illnesses. Adequate sleep boosts the immune response, ensuring our body is ready to tackle pathogens that may enter our system.

4. Detoxification and Brain Cleaning

Another crucial function of sleep is detoxification, particularly in the brain. During sleep, the glymphatic system becomes more active, clearing out toxins that accumulate during waking hours. Our brains actually have their own waste systems. Research has shown that the lymphatic vessels act as a drain that cleans this complex organ, working to prevent things like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Emotional Regulation

Sleep plays a vital role in regulating our emotions. The amygdala, the brain’s emotional control centre, is more sensitive when we’re sleep-deprived, which can lead to heightened emotional reactions and stress. During sleep, particularly REM sleep, the brain processes and dampens the intensity of emotional experiences, helping us maintain emotional stability and resilience. This is why a good night’s sleep often provides clarity and a more balanced perspective after a challenging day.

6. Hormone Regulation

Sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance of hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Sleep influences the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, ensuring it peaks in the morning and gradually decreases throughout the day. Additionally, sleep regulates the hormones that control hunger and appetite, such as ghrelin and leptin. Insufficient sleep can disrupt these hormones, leading to increased hunger and potential weight gain.

7. Cardiovascular Health

During sleep, the body enters a state of rest and repair, which is particularly beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure drops, heart rate slows, and the body reduces overall stress on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, regular, restorative sleep helps to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension by promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.