Sleep and the Brain: Partners in Crime (and in legal things, too)

It’s been said that sleep provides “more clay for the wheel in your head.” Anecdotally, it certainly seems that operating on more sleep helps us to be more alert, make better decisions, and respond more positively to stress and setbacks. But what does the scientific consensus have to say about sleep and the brain? Let’s find out!

We spend about a third of our lives sleeping. If that sounds like wasted time that you could be spending playing video games or making more money on the job, well, think again. Sleep helps our neurons communicate with one another (and they can’t understand one another if they’re yawning the whole time). While it affects your psychology and cognition, sleep also impacts the way your brain communicates with your heart, lungs, and all the other organs that have important jobs to do in keeping you healthy.

Over the course of a typical night (or day, if you work the late shift), your brain goes through three stages of non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and one stage of REM sleep. This is when most of your dreaming activity occurs. REM sleep also plays a role in helping you form and retain your memories.

Sleep impacts your circadian rhythms, which regulate your body temperature, hormonal activity, and metabolism. The exact amount of sleep a person needs varies among individuals, but most people function best after about 6 to 9 hours of nightly sleep. The effects of lack of sleep include high blood pressure, weight gain, heart disease, memory loss, immune deficiency, and impaired judgment.

If you are dealing with chronic lack of sleep (or want to help out a friend/loved one who has the same problem), the Luxe Pillow ® could help you to ward off some of those nighttime woes. As simple as it may seem, trouble getting comfortable in one’s bed is a significant factor in causing people to under-sleep. Those in high-stress environments are particularly susceptible to this problem.

With its built-in temperature regulation, three-layer design, and high-quality material, the Luxe Pillow is built to maximize comfort throughout a good night’s sleep. When you opt for the best sleep solutions out there, you’re not just pampering yourself; you’re treating your brain and your body the way they deserve to be treated. Don’t sleep on sleep!