We often have this perception that sleep is something we "just do" and don’t take time to realize that the body needs this time to recuperate from the day. Movement and diet are only only two important factors to having a healthy lifestyle. The average person doesn’t get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night which can lead to various health concerns. Here are a few of the many reasons why sleep is so important:

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1. Our body resets during sleep which is necessary to feel re-energized and ready for the following day! During the fourth phase of sleep, REM sleep, the body is restoring and "cleaning" our brain from the previous day. The body releases cerebrospinal fluid to remove toxic residue from the brain that can build up.

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2. Sleep helps the immune system which can help prevent infections or illnesses. Through the brains cleansing process mentioned above, the brain is removing potential viruses it has encountered in the day. Therefore, if you are not getting the necessary sleep you are potentially putting your body at a disadvantage. Not only could you be at risk for infections, but also other chronic health issues such as cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure if not getting the recommended amount of sleep over an extended period of time.

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3. Sleep will help improve concentration and productivity. Not getting 7-8 hours of good sleep can make you unable to fully focus on tasks at work or school, which may leave you feeling discouraged or unproductive.The key takeaway is: GET YOUR SLEEP! Yes, it is easier said than done, and with our busy lifestyles this may seem challenging. Just like anything else when you're changing your lifestyle, it is a skill that will take time to develop.