# 😴 How does lack of sleep affect health and cognitive function?

*Published: 2024-04-02 | Updated: 2024-09-30 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/how-does-lack-of-sleep-affect-health-and-cognitive-function*

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## Product: Why We Sleep
**Brand:** Scribner

Not getting enough sleep can really mess with both your health and how your brain works. This idea is backed by loads of research, like [Matthew Walker's book, *Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams*](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2F1501144316%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which dives into why sleep is so crucial.

In Walker's book, he explains that sleep isn't just a passive thing our bodies do; it's an active process that's super important for many health aspects. Ever notice how being tired makes everything seem more overwhelming? That's because sleep helps with emotional regulation. 

It helps lower stress and anxiety levels, which aligns with what our research shows about how sleep boosts mental resilience and stress management.

As for your brain, sleep is pretty much essential for memory. When you're asleep, your brain is busy processing and consolidating what you've learned, making it easier to remember later. Think of it as your brain's way of organizing files so you can be ready for whatever's next. 

Our research suggests both adults and students see improvements in memory and cognitive skills with a good night's sleep.

Sleep is also important for your physical health. It's tied to lots of bodily functions, and not getting enough of it can up your risk for problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart issues. Plus, it impacts your immune system. 

If you're not sleeping enough, you're probably getting sick more often.

In short, sleep does a lot more than just help you feel rested; it's vital for your overall health, from managing emotions to keeping your body healthy. 

Getting good quality sleep is one of the best things you can prioritize for your well-being. If you're curious to learn more, Walker’s book is worth checking out, as it takes a deep dive into how sleep impacts our health in so many ways. 

Recognizing how critical sleep is might help you give it the priority it deserves.

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Amazon | $10.09  | Check |
| University of Nebraska Bookstore | $12.75  | Check |

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*