“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8

Ever woken up feeling like you just closed your eyes — or jumped out of bed after a night of deep, restful sleep? The difference is more than how you feel in the moment.

According to Dr. Matthew Walker, Scientific Advisor of the Sleep Foundation, “Sleep is the SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE thing you can do to reset the health of your brain and body.” Beyond fighting fatigue, quality sleep reduces the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke — and helps you get sick less often, make better decisions and get along with others more easily.

Sleep is also closely tied to mental and emotional health, with links to depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Getting enough of it reduces stress, lifts mood, and sharpens thinking at work and in daily life.

Quality vs. Quantity: Is your sleep restorative?

While seven hours per night is the general recommendation for adults, quantity alone isn't enough — quality matters too. A full night of restorative sleep involves several cycles of distinct stages, each serving a purpose for the body, brain and spirit.