Chapter 2 - Why Does Sleep Matter?

Summary

Sleep is vital to our existence; it underpins a myriad of brain and bodily functions, and supports optimal functioning across a variety of different domains including cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, tissue repair and growth, and our immune system, among others. It is not surprising, therefore, that when sleep disturbance is experienced it can lead to impairments in performance and functioning. In addition, when sleep and circadian disruption are experienced regularly, such as in the context of insomnia, individuals can be at increased risk of developing a range of physical and mental health disorders including cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. Such findings reinforce the need to address sleep disturbance and also highlight that it is not only sleep duration that is important but also timing and regularity of sleep–wake patterns.