INTRODUCTION: EP MAGAZINE SLEEP SERIES Why Do We Sleep?

[...]some animals sleep with one half of their brain at a time, such as dolphins, so they can still be awake to ward off predators. [...]research shows that short sleep duration causes problems with our memory, decision making, and processing speed.7 Poor sleep is linked to the build-up in the brain of a chemical called beta amyloid, which results in Alzheimer's disease.8 Beta-amyloid buildup also occurs in Down syndrome, and has been connected with Alzheimer's disease symptoms as individuals with Down syndrome age.9 Seizures Seizures are common in some intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), such as autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome, and are more common in those with more severe forms of IDD.10 Seizures have a reciprocal relationship with sleep, with disrupted sleep making seizures more likely. Treating sleep problems can improve seizure control.11 Cardiovascular "Disease Poor sleep, and chronic sleep loss, have been linked to heart disease12 and high blood pressure.6 Not sleeping enough hours increased a person's chances of high blood pressure by 20%.13 Type 2 Tliabetes Type 2 diabetes has become an increasingly common chronic condition in the United States. Not getting enough sleep results in a 33% increased risk of developing diabetes.14 When people sleep too few hours, they are more likely to eat unhealthy foods.6 ¦Weight Gain Weight gain, including obesity, often results when people are not getting enough sleep, especially young adults.15 With chronic sleep loss, there are changes in leptin and ghrelin which are two hormones that regulate how hungry or satisfied we feel after we have eaten.