Sleep requirements range from 12 to 18 hours for newborns to 7 to 9 hours for adults. But the need for sleep is just as important for continued well-being regardless of whether you are 2 months or fully grown. Here are 5 ways that sleeping can improve and extend your life.

Improves Memory---If you've started to feel your memory is like a sieve, take a look at your sleeping habits. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can cause confusion and the ability to concentrate. At night while you asleep, your brain, given proper time, has a chance to organize and process experiences and memories. This increases your ability to retain and recall information.

Helps Prevent Obesity---With so many focusing on weight control, its nice to know that just by going to sleep you can help prevent weight gain. With proper sleep each night, the hormones that stimulate the appetite reset themselves appropriately.

Interrupt the sleep cycle and hormonal balances tip in favor of hunger. This imbalance usually results in cravings for foods that are high in fats, sugars, and carbohydrates. So getting proper rest each night is one of the easiest ways to lose weight.

Strengthens the Immune System---Cells need to be repaired to stay strong in order for the immune system to be the body's first line of defense against disease and infection. During sleep the body manufactures protein molecules for cell repair thus increasing your chances of staying healthy when exposed to viruses and bacteria. Strong cells increase your chances of recovering quicker when you become ill.

Your body produces extra protein molecules (while you're sleeping) that help strengthen your ability to fight infection and stay healthy. These molecules help your immune system mend your body at a cellular level when you are stressed or have been exposed to compromising elements such as pollutants and infectious bacteria.

Reduces Stress---Stress wreaks havoc on the body because of the "fight or flight" reaction that is instinctive. As such the body is programmed to rev up its heart rate, increase blood pressure, and tighten muscles.

Stress also causes hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol to be sent into the body. These negatively impact every system in the body, particularly when stress lasts for days, months, or even years. Sleeping well each night gives all the systems in the body a chance to rest.

Lessens Emotional Disorders---Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is a typical reaction to not having enough sleep. And when this happens once in a while it is of little consequence. But chronic lack of sleep can lead to disorders such as depression and anxiety.

These are only 5 of the many benefits that result from a good night's sleep. But it's clear to see that sleeping well every night should be high on the list of things to do to stay healthy.