THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP IN THE VARIOUS PHASES OF LIFE: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Objective. Expand and disseminate research data from the literature since 2000 on sleep and its correlated physiological implications, innovating by organizing the text chronologically, according to the phases of life, and by expanding the discussions about sleep worldwide. Methodology. The bibliographic researches that supported this work were carried out in the main indexes of the medical area, such as Google Scholar, SciELO and PUBMED, and filtered only original review articles, original articles, theses, books, guidelines and recommendations of official scientific bodies published between 2000 and 2019. Results. Sleep is substantial for cognitive development, memory storage, hormonal homeostasis, among many other physiological mechanisms, and has a wide relationship with the appearance of various diseases in case of poor quality or deprivation. Several studies have correlated both deprivation and excess of sleep with the manifestation of systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immunosuppression and obesity. Conclusion. The efficiency of sleep can be associated with the everyday habits of an individual. At the same time, it should be as valued as physical activity and healthy diet in contemporary society. However, efforts should still be promoted in order to disseminate the importance of sleep in the various phases of life.