the Neuroscience of Sleep

In this TED talk, you will learn more about the Neuroscience of sleep - "Why do we sleep", by circadian neuroscientist Russel Foster.

Some highlights:

if you live to 90, 32 years will have been spent entirely asleep...

Why do we sleep?

1. Restoration - all the stuff that we have burned up during the day, we restore, we replace, we rebuild during the night.
2. Energy conservation - you essentially sleep to save calories
3. Brain function - brain processing and memory consolidation...

a Lack of sleep creates:

- poor memory

- increased impulsiveness

- poor judgement

- weight gain

- increases stress

And, new neuroscience has also seen a link between sleep disruption and mental illness.

The "Sleep for dummies":

- dark room and slightly cool (reduce your light exposure at least 30 minutes before you go to bed)

- turn off mobiles and computers

- no caffeine in the evening

- wind down

- seek out morning light

Take your sleep seriously; 

it increases:

- concentration

- attention

- decision making

- creativity

- social skills

- health

it decreases:

- mood changes

- stress

- level of anger

- impulsivity

- tendency to drink and take drugs

See the talk at TED (where you can see also the transcript) or down below via YouTube: