We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. Our body needs sleep to stay healthy. Not getting enough sleep may make us sick.
Sleep and our immune(免疫的) system
The immune system protects the body from diseases and infections. Not getting enough sleep hurts this protective system. The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit research hospital in the United States. Its website explains that when we sleep, our body releases proteins(蛋白质) that support sleep and help us fight infections. The Mayo Clinic says the study shows that the immune system works best when the body gets enough sleep.
How much sleep is enough?
To stay in good health, experts at the Mayo Clinic say that adults should get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Teenagers need 9 to 10 hours. And school-aged children may need more than 10 hours of sleep a night. Experts say the quality and quantity of our sleep become poor as we get old. They say the process begins in our 30s. By the time we reach our 50s, the average person has lost 50 percent of their ability to have a peaceful sleep.
How to improve your sleep
People can do things to get better sleep. Health experts suggest doing exercise and avoiding working on computers and electronic devices(设备) before bed. A cool room is also a better environment for sleeping.