When Tired Eyes Need Their Rest: Find Out Why We Sleep

Have you ever wondered, “Why do we sleep in Powell?” It’s easy to take for granted the fact that when you become fatigued, all you have to do is shut your eyes and go to sleep, but why do the body and brain do this? Is it necessary for our survival? Does it offer benefits in our ability to function each day? In order to better understand why this normal activity occurs, let a sleep practitioner offer some valuable insight on the topic.

Why Do We Sleep?

For centuries, ancient theorists attempted to identify why it is that humans sleep. From Leucippus, the first “atomist,” to Lucretius, both of whom were way off in their explanations, to Aristotle, who stated, “Sleep is induced by the exhalations of ingested foods which thicken and heat the blood, rising to the brain where they are cooled before coalescing in the heart.” Needless to say, Aristotle’s theory is considered the closest to reality, at least as it pertains to the brain.

But to answer the question, “Why do we sleep,” there is unfortunately not one clear explanation, only theories, some of which include:

• Sleep helps with memory consolidation. Through sleep, you are able to remember events that occurred throughout your day. When entering REM sleep, the brain works to strengthen areas that hold memories, allowing you to process them for future reference. It also works to remove those that are considered “unnecessary” to remember.
• Sleep also helps by “cleaning the slate” and making room for you to learn additional material the following day. By removing excessive information, sleep makes it possible to take it new memories.
•  Sleep also works to remove toxins, which can be beneficial in preventing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

What Happens if You Can’t Sleep?

If you struggle with insomnia and cannot get adequate rest at night, it is in your best interest to speak with a sleep dentist in Powell. The inability to rest is one of the common signs of sleep apnea, a dangerous condition that results in ceased breathing due to a blockage in the airway. If you struggle to sleep and are experiencing chronic fatigue, a sleep study can serve to provide a proper diagnosis.

Once you officially learn that you do, indeed, have sleep apnea, various treatment options are available to help. While many doctors recommend CPAP therapy for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), more and more sleep dentists suggest oral appliance therapy for those with mild to moderate OSA. These are small, compact, oral devices that are worn in the mouth while you sleep.

By moving the jaw slightly forward, it prevents the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing onto the throat and creating a blockage, allowing you to sleep peacefully at night.

No matter what type of treatment you choose, getting help for your sleep apnea will serve to improve your quality of life. And while we still don’t know the exact reason why it is that we sleep, be glad that we do. After all, there’s nothing more rewarding than laying your head down on a pillow and embracing a relaxing night’s sleep.

About the Author
Dr. Shelley Shults is a board-certified registered nurse, general dentist, family nurse practitioner, and dental sleep medicine practitioner. She graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing before going on to spend years working in a variety of nursing fields, including everything from neonatal to urgent care. In 2001, she graduated from The Ohio State University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She then received her MATRx certification in sleep apnea in 2013. Dr. Shults and her team are proud to offer patients a solution to their sleep problems and look forward to helping you achieve the rest you need. To learn more, contact us at (614) 396-9310.