The majority of people need 6-8 hours of peaceful sleep every night to maintain optimal health.

The benefits of sufficient sleep are many.

Research and clinical studies have shown regular sleep patterns to be helpful in reducing or even preventing depression. The brain does not quit working, even while we're sleeping - it just works on a different level. While a person sleeps, the brain takes the opportunity to try to solve problems, as well as to forge new connections which it has too many distractions and activities to forge during waking time. A number of problems find resolution while you are sleeping. But if the amount of sleep is insufficient and these problems don't get worked on as a result, depression can set in or be magnified.

There is a common sense connection between restful sleep and daytime energy levels, yet it is shocking how many people don't seem to make the connection. The brain during sleep is able to relax to make new connections and process new information in the subconscious mind. Energy is not depleted as quickly while sleeping, as compared to when one is alert and attempting to juggle the intake of new information while dealing with old information. People generally don't know that much more rest is necessary for the mind than for the body.

With sufficient restful sleep and the heightened energy levels that result, it is only natural that one gets yet another benefit: a more balanced emotional state resulting in more positive moods during the day. With the mind feeling rejuvenated and refreshed by sufficient sleep, one feels that one can take on any trouble or overcome any obstacle.

People who get enough sleep tend to be healthier and have stronger immune systems. Again, a rested brain that has been permitted its necessary break from consciousness functions better in its autonomic functions as well as its conscious ones. The systems within the brain that automatically run and regulate processes like digestion, metabolism, breathing, and heart beat function better because the whole brain is functioning more efficiently, and the result is one having less susceptibility to illness.

Research shows that for people who sleep sufficiently, their body's cells rejuvenate and replenish better and faster. All the functions of the subconscious brain becomes rejuvenated while we sleep.

With all of these benefits, it should come as no surprise that the bottom line is that sufficient sleep allows you to get the benefits of looking a lot better and having a far greater sense of well-being and joyfulness.

So why do so many people deny themselves the benefits of good sleep? In part it is because our society tends to devalue sleep. Our cultural attitude tells us to "go, go, go", to work harder and longer, and that "sleep is for the dead". In actual fact, getting the proper amount of sleep is an important part of finding balance, health, and fulfillment in life.