Sleep Myth: Sleep is a Passive Activity –

Sleep is a natural and essential part of people’s lives. It is considered a period of rest to conserve energy. It is also a subject that people think they know a lot about.

Plenty of myths and misunderstandings surround sleep. One of the famous myths, in particular, is the idea that sleep is a passive activity.

Is sleep something you do passively? Let’s find out.

The Myth

Many believe that it is a passive activity because sleeping appears to be an absence of consciousness. People agree that it is a passive activity since you are just lying on your bed and doing nothing. Waking up and doing day-to-day tasks is thought of as active. Many view sleep as a separate, passive state.

The Fact

Sleep is an active state. This is one place where looks can be deceiving. As your body remains inactive, it follows a complex sequence of events with a regular and cyclical pattern every night.

Countless homeostatic processes are going on while the body sleeps. Delta waves increase as you sleep. Your endocrine system also boosts the production of hormones and prolactin, which are needed to maintain a healthy immune system.

Also, sleeping helps both the brain and the body to rejuvenate. It bolsters the immune system and helps regulate mood. Sleep reduces stress as well.

Don’t forget about your dreams. While sleeping, the brain cycles through REM and Non-REM sleep stages. Dreams take place during both REM and Non-REM sleep, though dreams tend to be more vivid during Non-REM. Dreams are important in consolidating your long-term memory and building your neural connections.

Verdict

The myth that “Sleep is a Passive Activity” is false. Since the brain and the body both work as you sleep, sleep is considered active rather than passive. Sleep is essential to brain health. Therefore, it is crucial to establish and follow good sleep hygiene.