About Sleep

Sleep is much more than a gentle “pause” from your daily activities. It is an active state that helps maintain and renew your mental and physical health.

Behind the curtain of sleep at night, your brain controls important functions that set the stage for the next day. Muscles are repaired. Breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and hormone levels are regulated. New information is processed, and memories are formed.

Sleep is essential for your health and is the most valuable part of your day. After a good night's sleep, you will feel, think and perform your best.

Sleep is especially important for children. Getting quality sleep each night has a profound impact on a child’s health and development. In contrast, failing to get enough sleep – or being unable to sleep well – can cause a variety of health and behavioral problems.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is a professional society that is dedicated to the medical subspecialty of sleep medicine. The AASM membership consists of doctors, scientists and other health-care professionals. They specialize in studying, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

The AASM strives to increase awareness of the importance of sleep and how to sleep well. The AASM also promotes excellence in health care for people with sleep disorders.

Select one of the links below to learn more from the AASM about sleep:

• Sleep Cycles
• Sleep Need
• Sleep Benefits
• Sleep Disorders
• Bedtimes
• Bedtime Routines
• Top 10 Healthy Sleep Habits for Children & Teens