Even though our energy consumption during sleep can be much lower than while we're awake, getting adequate and quality sleep is important for overall health. Not getting enough enough quality sleep can lead to weight gain. Many people regard sleep as an inconvenience: they can sleep when they're dead. However, sleep is not a wasted time and this part of a daily routine has important biological functions, some of which we don't understand very well.
- Sleep
- Sleep and weight
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Many people suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is condition where breathing stops during sleep with a resulting interruption in sleep. Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea and is a result of obstruction in the airway. Talk to your doctor if you always feel tired after a sleeping and especially if you snore. Treatments often involve CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines that blow air into your nose while you're sleeping.
Some people have had success with chin strap devices that hold the mouth closed during sleep to encourage breathing through the nose.