The Healing Power of Sleep

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Among the many wondrous benefits of sleep - including better memory, lower cardiovascular risk, and decreased stress hormones - there is another important one: healing. 

Studies show that good sleep can help speed wound healing, lessen inflammatory responses in the skin, and provide our bodies with the resources needed to mount an effective defense against viruses. When we sleep, damaged cells and tissue are repaired, and new ones are created. 

If this science inspires you to catch up on some Zs, remember to consider the "QQRT" Protocol when assessing our sleep:

  • Quantity: The number of hours spent sleeping. Adults ages 18-65 should aim for 7-9 hours per night, while adults 65+ should aim for 7-8 hours.
  • Quality: The level of deep sleep and restfulness achieved.
  • Regularity: How consistent your sleep routine is. It's best to keep a steady schedule, even on the weekends.
  • Timing: the best time for you to sleep - everyone's circadian rhythms are unique.

Could sleep even heal fractured social bonds? Research shows that sleep deprivation can reduce affective empathy - our ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In other words, good sleep supports both heart health and human connection. 

Read more: The Science of Sleep | Johns Hopkins

Why Sleep Matters | Harvard Medical School

Sleep and Skin | ARC Journal of Dermatology

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