8 to 9 hours of sleep is what we need to wake up refreshed, energized and ready to take on another day. Adequate sleep is essential for the body to function properly.

5 benefits of sleep are:

• 1. Repair and rejuvenation - During sleep, the body produces more protein that helps cells get repaired and rejuvenated. Toxic waste byproducts which have accumulated throughout the day get removed allowing cell regeneration throughout the body.
  
  
• 2. Brain health - Sleep allows regeneration of neurons in the brain. This helps to form memories and new synaptic connections. Cognition and brain function are improved with adequate sleep.
  
  
• 3. Heart health - A good night's sleep contributes to lower blood pressure and normal levels of cholesterol. 8 to 9 hours of sleep are important to help avoid heart attacks and strokes.
  
  
• 4. Stress relief - Sleep primarily acts as a waste disposal system for the brain - allowing it to reset itself every night. When the brain gets adequate time through sleep to remove toxins, it can get rid of the previous day's mental stressors. Conversely lack of sleep causes blood pressure and stress hormones to increase.
  
  
• 5. Weight control - Enough hours of sleep helps keep hormones in balance. This in turn helps to control appetite and satiety levels. Less than 7 hours of sleep have been shown to contribute to weight gain and obesity.

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