![\"Person](\"https:\/\/hamptonroadsent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4546117.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSleep is essential for many aspects of brain function like cognition, concentration, productivity and performance. One study on medical interns<\/a> found that those who worked extended work hours (24+ hour shifts) made 36% more serious medical errors than interns with balanced schedules that allowed for more sleep. Another study<\/a> found that insufficient sleep can impact brain function to a similar degree as alcohol intoxication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This shows that if you have an important test, presentation or interview, it\u2019s better to get a sufficient amount of sleep than staying up all night to prepare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study of over 2,800 women<\/a> found that poor sleep<\/a> is linked to slower walking speeds, poorer grip strength and more difficulty performing independent activities. Conversely, a study of basketball players<\/a> found that longer sleep improves speed, accuracy, reaction times and mental well-being. Keep this in mind next time you\u2019re preparing to run at Buckroe Beach and Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both quality and duration of sleep can impact your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. A review of 15 studies<\/a> found that those who don\u2019t sleep enough are at significantly higher risk of a heart attack or stroke than those who sleep seven to eight hours per night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even a small amount of sleep loss can impair the function of your immune system. In one large two-week study<\/a>, participants were given nasal drops containing a cold virus. Researchers found that those who had slept less than seven hours were almost three times more likely to develop a cold than those who had slept eight hours or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSleep Maximizes Athletic Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sleep Reduces Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sleep Boosts Immune Function<\/h2>\n\n\n\n