In today’s fast-paced world, a good night’s sleep has become something of an indulgence. It has fallen down our list of priorities behind work, chores, social time, and entertainment. However, sleep should not be a luxury. It is as important to your physical and mental health as food and water. Sleep is necessary to maintain critical body functions, restore energy, repair muscle tissue, and to allow the brain to process new information. Sleep deprivation can cause a range of mental and physical problems, including impairment of your ability to think clearly, focus, react, and control emotions. Chronic sleep deprivation has been shown to increase the risk for serious health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. It can also affect your immune system, reducing your body’s ability to fight off infections and disease.