Sleep to heal and restore. The role of sleep in the recovery and regeneration process

Sleep is considered an essential contributor to the health status of humans, with recovery and regeneration of physiological and psychological systems constituting its key function. Among others, it serves the restoration on the neurochemical, hormonal, muscular and immunological levels. Well-being, mood state and cognitive performance capability are maintained through sufficient quality and quantity of sleep. While sleep is scientifically and anecdotally considered important, it is also highly vulnerable to external and internal stressors. There is a mutual relationship between daytime activities and sleep components which interact in a cumulative manner. High prevalence rates and increasing incidences of sleep disturbances and insufficient sleep quality as well as quantity among several populations underline the challenging task to balance life demands and recovery resources. Current influencing factors will be discussed in this chapter. Subsequently, sleep-promoting activities and interventions will be critically reviewed and practical and scientific implications will be provided