Contrary to what most people think, sleep is not a time of inactivity, at least when it comes to your brain and body regulation. It is not the same as turning off a switch or shutting down. Rather, once a person falls to sleep, so many physiologic processes important to optimal health turn on, such that many sleep experts are now beginning to feel that the whole function of being awake during the day is to allow for improved sleep at night. The average person spends one-third of their entire life sleeping. However, because it occurs at a time when we are not aware, we often dismiss its importance the next morning, even if we have slept poorly. The truth, however, is that the time has come to recognize all the health benefits associated with quality sleep.