Nazish Shaheen, Jamal Akhtar, Md. Tanwir Alam, Md. Misbahuddin, Suraiya Tabassum
Sleep is a natural and essential process that helps maintain our physical and mental health. This review paper discusses the health benefits of sleep from both modern and Unani medicine perspectives. In modern medicine, sleep plays an important role in healing the body, improving brain function, balancing emotions, and supporting metabolism. There are two main types of sleep NREM and REM each with specific functions in physical and mental restoration. In Unani medicine, sleep (Nawm) is seen as a state of rest that helps the body recover and digest food properly. Great Unani scholars like Ibn Sina, Razi, and Akbar Arzani believed that sleep supports the balance of bodily humours, improves digestion, strengthens the brain functions, and helps in maintaining overall well-being. Sleep also removes waste products from the body and helps with memory, concentration, and emotional stability. However, both too much and too little sleep can be harmful. Excessive sleep may cause laziness, increase phlegm, and affect brain function. Lack of sleep can lead to digestive problems, weakness, poor memory, and emotional stress. This paper shows that sleep is not just a period of rest but a powerful tool for healing and maintaining health. Both modern and Unani views highlight the importance of getting moderate, good-quality sleep for a healthy and balanced life.