New Orleans Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, says consistently sleeping seven hours per night is
associated with optimal cognitive function and mental health for middle-aged adults.
Dr. McKenna says sleep is important for physical and psychological health and serves a
neuroprotective function by clearing waste products from the brain. Both lack of exercise and
insufficient sleep were associated with impaired cognitive performance.

If you don’t get enough sleep, you may see symptoms of anxiety, depression, mental distress,
mania and self harm. Further research shows that a consistent sleep duration of about seven hours a
night was optimal for overall performance and good mental health. Th bottom line, says Dr. McKenna,
is to get good rest, and your mind and body will thank you for it.