38
Y O U R E Y E S O N L Y
W O R D S
Robert Johnson
P H O T O S
Cosmos
the relentless pursuit of productivity and wellness,
sleep often takes a backseat. Yet the science is
clear: nothing rivals the power of quality rest when
it comes to sustaining physical health, mental clarity,
and emotional balance. More than just a biological
necessity, sleep is an art—one that, when mastered,
transforms the way we function, recharge, and
ultimately, thrive.
Sleep is not just about shutting down; it is an
intricate process that governs everything from
immune response to memory consolidation. The
body cycles through different sleep stages, each
serving a distinct purpose. Light sleep transitions us
from wakefulness to deeper rest, while deep sleep
is where true physical restoration takes place—
muscles repair, immune defenses strengthen, and
energy stores replenish. REM sleep, often linked to
dreaming, is critical for cognitive function, emotional
processing, and creativity. Miss out on these
essential phases, and the consequences quickly
follow—chronic stress, weakened immunity, and an
increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and
even neurodegenerative conditions.
A
groundbreaking
study
from
the
University
of
California,
Berkeley,
revealed
that
chronic
sleep deprivation disrupts the brain’s ability to
cleanse itself of harmful proteins associated with
Alzheimer’s disease. The same study found that
even a single night of poor sleep can trigger an
increase in beta-amyloid, a protein that clumps
together and forms plaques in the brain, potentially
accelerating cognitive decline. Meanwhile, Harvard
Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine has
long emphasized the link between sleep and
emotional regulation, showing that individuals who
get insufficient rest are far more prone to anxiety,
depression,
and
impulsive
decision-making.
Historically, sleep was often misunderstood. In
ancient Egypt, sleep was believed to be a bridge
between the mortal world and the divine. Priests
and healers saw dreams as messages from the
gods, guiding decisions and offering insight into the
future. The Greeks and Romans, influenced by this
belief, often visited dream temples, where they
sought divine intervention for their ailments. During
the Victorian era, sleep was thought to be a passive
state, little more than an inconvenient necessity that
took time away from work and progress. Doctors
of the time even advised avoiding sleep after
large meals, believing it led to poor digestion and
nightmares.
IN
• To sleep is to repair. Every hour of deep sleep is an investment in a sharper mind, a stronger body, and a clearer perspective.