📘 Passage B – The Science of Sleep
Sleep is a fundamental biological process that plays a critical role in cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, clears metabolic waste, and resets neural activity. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation impairs attention, decision-making, and learning capacity. Despite its importance, many people fail to get adequate sleep due to lifestyle choices and environmental factors.
The sleep cycle consists of multiple stages, including REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep. REM sleep is associated with vivid dreaming and memory consolidation, while non-REM stages support physical restoration. Disruptions to this cycle, such as those caused by shift work or screen exposure, can lead to chronic fatigue and increased risk of disease. Researchers continue to explore how sleep quality affects long-term brain health and emotional resilience.