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Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining good health and well-being. The body naturally signals us to sleep through the release of hormones. When it gets dark, the body releases the hormone melatonin, which makes us feel drowsy. Likewise, as the sun rises, the body releases cortisol - the fight-or-flight hormone - which makes the body more active. 

During sleep, there are still countless activities occurring in our body. The first is the release of hormones such as melatonin and growth hormone. The growth hormone allows the body to repair and grow. Anti-diuretic hormone is also released during sleep, which explains how one can usually get through the night without having to urine. 


The immune system also releases cytokines during sleep. These proteins help the body fight inflammation, infection and trauma, allowing us to recover more quickly. 


Lastly, sleep plays a major role in memory retention. Sleep protects new memories from disruption by interfering experiences during wakefulness and consolidates memories according to its importance. Brain imaging has shown a shift in activity during sleep; from the temporary processing area (hippocampus) to storage areas in the cortex, allowing us to better form long term memories.


Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol#1

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/7-amazing-things-that-happen-to-your-body-while-you-sleep#:~:text=While%20asleep%2C%20you%20cycle%20through,meaning%20you%20can't%20move.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/memory-medic/201103/how-sleep-helps-memory

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-deprivation-and-deficiency#

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