By CRISTIAN JARAMILLO and ALEX XU
CASA GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL

It’s 2 a.m. on a Tuesday. You’re studying for a test, and you still have not learned all the material needed to ace the test the next morning. You are almost done, but you are feeling fatigued. Do you study for the upcoming exam or do you ready yourself for sleep? By sleeping, you could bolster your ability to retain information and do well on the upcoming test.
–Sleep helps the brain function: When asleep, the brain goes through a process called memory consolidation, which means the brain processes all that has happened, including memories, feelings, and connections.
–Sleep helps you reduce stress: People persist in their endeavors without knowing that their body is tired and that their mind is stressed. A good night’s sleep alleviates stress and makes a person alert.
–Sleep may prevent cancer: Staying up late at night puts a person at a higher risk of breast and colon cancer. This is caused by reducing levels of melatonin, a hormone that makes us both sleepy and prevents cancer.
–Sleep keeps the heart healthy: Lack of sleep worsens blood pressure and cholesterol. These factors put the heart at risk. Heart attacks and strokes are more common during the early hours of the morning. Sleeping seven to nine hours will help your heart remain healthy.
–Sleep can increase recovery effectiveness: If you are physically or mentally injured, sufficient sleep can help you heal more rapidly. During sleep, your cells produce more proteins that allow cells to repair damage faster.