By Dr. A. Qureshi
OPENING NOTES FROM TRACIANA
Sleep isn’t weakness—it’s one of our greatest strengths.
That’s why I chose to feature this psychologist’s playbook: to remind us that the overlooked benefits of sleep are nothing short of revolutionary.
—Traciana
A Q&A with Dr. A. Qureshi
Who are you?
I’m Dr. A. Qureshi, a psychologist from Pakistan, working at the intersection of mental health and lifestyle medicine. My work focuses on how overlooked habits—like sleep—shape our well-being.
What is this article about?
It’s about the least known but most important benefits of sleep. Beyond the obvious, sleep protects memory, mental health, weight balance, and physical resilience. It’s the body’s most powerful repair system.
Why was it so important to you to research and develop?
Because I’ve seen exhaustion treated like a badge of honor. People underestimate how much is lost when sleep is sacrificed—focus, health, joy. My goal was to show, with both research and perspective, that sleep is non-negotiable if we want to thrive.
What I Wish My Patients Knew
In my clinic, I meet people every week who think exhaustion is normal. They’ve convinced themselves that dragging through the day, leaning on coffee, and feeling unfocused is just adulthood. But exhaustion is not normal—it’s your body sounding an alarm. Sleep is not passive downtime. It’s the most active form of repair we have. When people begin to reclaim it, everything changes.
What if I told you there was a revolutionary treatment that could increase your life span, protect your mental health, strengthen your memory, and keep your body fitter? One that also guards against cancer, dementia, heart disease, and diabetes?
It isn’t new, expensive, or complicated. It’s simply a full night’s sleep.
Since childhood, many of us were told, “go to bed early” or “rest up, you have a big day tomorrow.” Somewhere along the way, that wisdom was lost. Today, being a night owl has become a badge of honor—even though neglecting sleep steadily unravels both body and mind.
The Benefits of Sleep I See In My Clinic
Sleep boosts mental health.
I see it daily in my clinic: once patients begin sleeping well, their anxiety eases, their moods stabilize, and their stress becomes more manageable. Sleep is the most underestimated therapy for the mind.
Sleep enhances memory and cognitive function.
Our brains need downtime to file and strengthen memories. Without it, people confuse activity with productivity. With proper sleep, focus sharpens, problem-solving improves, and creativity returns.
Sleep regulates weight.
I’ve worked with countless people who blamed themselves for cravings or overeating, when the true culprit was lack of rest. Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, leading to late-night snacking and stalled weight goals. Restoring sleep often restores balance.
Sleep strengthens overall health.
From immunity to cardiovascular health, sleep restores the body at every level. I’ve watched blood pressure drop, immunity improve, and energy return when people finally begin to prioritize rest.
How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?
Most adults require 7–9 hours a night. Some thrive on 6, others need closer to 10. What matters most is not the number, but the outcome: waking refreshed, clear, and ready for the day.
The Surprising Thing About Sleep
The most surprising thing about sleep is how it changes lives in ways people don’t expect. Yes, it heals the body—but it also restores patience in parents, sharpness in professionals, and presence in partners. Sleep doesn’t just repair. It returns us to ourselves
CLOSING NOTES FROM TRACIANA
“Sleep isn’t weakness—it’s medicine. Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s the ground that allows us to rise.
—Traciana
About the Writer
Dr. A. Qureshi is a psychologist from Pakistan dedicated to bridging clinical research with daily well-being practices. His work highlights how sleep—often the most overlooked habit—acts as a cornerstone for both mental and physical health.
Disclaimer
This piece is for informational and reflective purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personal guidance. Read our full non-disclaimer →
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