Getting a good night's sleep can help you cope with stress more effectively. But not getting enough sleep can cause more stress. Insomniacs have higher concentrations of stress hormones than others.
Experts believe that sleep, especially sound sleep, enables our nervous system to function well. Without it, we lose our ability to concentrate, remember or analyse. Some experts speculate that during sleep, cells manufacture more proteins, which are essential for cell growth and repair of damage from things like stress and ultraviolet rays. Scientists believe that activity in the area of the brain that controls emotions and social interactions lessens during sleep and that deep sleep may help people to be emotionally and socially adept when awake.
Sleep may also help our brain to store a newly learned activity in its memory bank, In a study in Canada, students deprived of sleep after learning a complex logic game showed a 30 per cent learning deficit when tested a week later compared with students not deprived of sleep.
The effects of sleep deprivation on other bodily functions are just as alarming. In studies from five medical centres across the country, researches established that individuals with insomnia were also more likely to have poor health, including chest pain, arthritis and depression, and to have difficulty accomplishing daily tasks. Another breakthrough study revealed that even temporary loss of sleep can affect the body's ability to break down carbohydrates, interfere with the function of various hormones and worsen the severity of ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
So whatever works to help you sleep well, whether it is regular exercise in the day, weekly massages, yoga, mediation or a lavender scented bath, make time for it today.
Deep sleep helps the nervous system _____

Options

A. to become dysfunctional
B. to function well
C. to remember, concentrate and analyse
D. both (it) and (iii)