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EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association
EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association
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What is sleep?

Sleep is the regular period in every 24 hours when consciousness is suspended and we become unaware of our environment. It is a natural state of rest for both the body and mind which helps keep us healthy. Whilst we sleep the nervous system is inactive, hormones are released into the bloodstream and the body has an opportunity to recuperate from the day’s activities.

Whilst scientists aren’t exactly sure why, regular sleep is necessary for survival. It’s healing powers are not fully understood, yet it is accepted that sleep is essential to maintaining normal levels of cognitive skills such as speech, memory, innovative and flexible thinking. In other words, it is widely believed sleep plays a significant role in brain development.

According to the British Sleep Council, sleep – or the lack of it – is one of the most common 21st century health complaints.


Did you know?

We spend around one third of our lives sleeping. Most adults need around seven or eight hours sleep each night, although some people need less than four and others need more than 10.

 

Acknowledgement


We would like to thank the following for their contributions to this information:

  • Dr Sharon Muzerengi, University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK
  • Professor K Ray Chaudhuri, Consultant Neurologist, King’s College/University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK

We would like to acknowledge use of the following source(s) in compiling this information:

EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA